Labour attacked for 'failure' as truancy numbers reach record

Pupils missed 1.05 per cent of school sessions owing to "unauthorised absence" in 2008-09 – a 4 per cent rise from 1.01 per cent in 2007-08, according to the latest statistics published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

In Yorkshire the numbers are even worse, with 1.26 per cent across the whole region and a massive 2.22 per cent in Hull.

Bradford and Leeds were also far higher than the average, with 1.91 per cent and 1.62 per cent, respectively, whereas Ryedale performed best with pupils missing 0.31 per cent of school sessions.

The figures were attacked by Shadow schools minister Nick Gibb, who said Labour had failed to tackle the problem.

He said: "Unauthorised absences are at an all-time high and 67,000 children miss school every day.

"Persistent absenteeism and truancy is linked with low levels of literacy and must be tackled. We need to address underlying causes of truancy – the fact that so many children still struggle with reading and poor discipline in schools fuels bullying."

While the statistics revealed a 44 per cent rise in truancy since Labour came to power, they also showed overall attendance was better than in previous years.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said: "Overall absence has again fallen to a record low. Every day over 70,000 more pupils are now in school than would be the case if absence rates were still at the level of 1996/97.

"Schools are, quite rightly, cracking down on absence. Weak excuses for missing school, such as over-sleeping or a day's holiday, are no longer accepted."

The statistics also reveal hundreds of thousands of pupils are still skipping more than five weeks of school, making them "persistent absentees".

Across the school year, 208,380 primary and secondary pupils missed more than 20 per cent of all possible half days, a total of 52 sessions, or 26 days.

Liberal Democrat schools spokesman David Laws said: "These figures are disgraceful. Despite Tony Blair promising to get a grip on this problem more than a decade ago, truancy levels have rocketed."

The statistics show a jump in truancy rates in primary schools, with pupils missing 0.64 per cent of all half days, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year.

The report will raise fresh concerns that recession hit parents are taking pupils out of school during term time to take advantage of cheap deals for family holidays. Over the two terms, absence for family holidays accounted for 8 per cent of absent half days – absences which were approved by the school.

A further 1.92 per cent of family holidays were not approved by schools.

It means family holidays are the second most commonly reported reason for pupils missing lessons.

Dr John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "Schools work very hard to send a clear message that allowing children to miss school disrupts their learning and puts them at a disadvantage in the long term."

Practical science teaching hindered

Science experiments are disappearing from the classroom due to badly behaved pupils, too much testing and a demanding curriculum, a study shows.

Almost all science teachers and lab technicians say they have been prevented in some way from conducting practicals, according the national network of Science Learning Centres. Over two-thirds said they were hindered from doing experiments because the curriculum is too full.