Brought to book

TO parents today, the nostalgia of the odd day spent skipping school may make it seem harmless, or even romantic. Times have changed, however, and an epidemic of truancy in Yorkshire has contributed to a wave of social, behavioural and educational problems that will take years to resolve.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Oct 2010, 22:19 BST
Updated 19th Oct 2010, 22:19 BST

This region's unwanted top spot among English regions ranked for unauthorised absences from secondary school reveals the failure of local authorities to tackle the families who have simply got out of the habit of daily classroom attendance.

There are many reasons for this, ranging from extreme poverty and disengagement from society, to children who have somehow got beyond the reach of parents and teachers. Whatever the cause, however, it is clear a new and tougher approach is needed.

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Labour's years of investment in education, as well as their attempts to prosecute parents who tolerate their children's absences, have made little difference to attendance rates in Yorkshire. Of course, there will always be pupils who face persistent health problems, and they

should be given all the support they need, but there are many more

whose families slip off the radar of council education officers.

Problem families need to get more home visits, or parents will never be called to account for their lacklustre attitude.

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Cutting the number of families in poverty is vital if Yorkshire children are to get back into class and have a decent start in life. The coalition Government must keep sight of this or risk inaugurating a new generation of disengaged, disillusioned and disrespectful young people.

Related topics:LabourYorkshire