NAHT General Secretary Russell Hobby has reacted positively to the release of pupil absence figures.
Figures released by the Department for Education show that overall absence for the Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010 terms has decreased from 6.31% to 6.04%.
Mr Hobby said "The changes are very small but the trend is positive overall. More children are spending more time in school. This is good, as they can't be taught if they are not there."
Figures also indicate that the unauthorised absence rate has decreased from 1.03% to 1.01%.
The General Secretary said that this indicates that school leaders are standing firm on this.
"While we recognise that valuable learning also happens outside school,” he said, “we also need to send a clear message that regular and consistent attendance is not an option. It is a responsibility."
"The underlying solution to absenteeism is to show to everyone that schools are exciting and relevant places to be" Mr Hobby added.”Education can make your life better, and no child should be deprived of that opportunity. This is a partnership between schools and parents, with duties on both sides.
The announcement can be found on the DFE website.
Page Published: 19/10/2010
