Pupil Turnover (Hansard, 12 March 1999)

§ Mr. Gordon Marsden
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect of high levels of turnover in pupil enrolments on school performance. [75752]

§ Ms Estelle Morris
[holding answer 9 March 1999]: We are seeking further information about the nature and extent of pupil mobility, and its effect on school and pupil performance. That is why we are supporting a research project into pupil mobility, conducted by the Migration Research Unit at University College London. We expect preliminary results from the project to be available in July, and hope the outcomes will provide a focus for proper debate and discussion of the issue of mobility and school and pupil performance. We will keep the House informed of progress in this important area.

§ Mr. Gordon Marsden
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of the education action zones have identified high levels of(a) turnover in pupil enrolments and (b) absenteeism as contributing to underperformance in their participating schools; and what initiatives they have put in place to address these problems. [75715]

§ Ms Estelle Morris
It is likely that all 25 existing zones have problems with pupil attendance; and most of them contain at least some schools with high pupil mobility.
The zone action plans are due to be delivered to the Department at the end of this month. They will set out the initiatives that are to be put in place to address this problem.

§ Mr. Gordon Marsden
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many LEA education development plans have identified high levels of(a) absenteeism and (b) turnover in pupil enrolments, as factors affecting the performance of schools. [75716]

§ Ms Estelle Morris
Local education authorities' final education development plans were submitted to the Department on 28 February 1999. These are currently being considered. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as the information becomes available and will place a copy of the letter in the Library.