Tuesday, 9.19am - TRUANCY statistics released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families have revealed a slight increase in national truancy, but the figure has dropped in Lincolnshire.
The figures show an overall increase of 0.01 per cent, but persistent absentees at Lincolnshire's secondary schools appear to be going back to the classroom with a drop of 1.1 per cent between 2006/07 (5.6 per cent) - 2007/08 (4.5 per cent).
The number of half days missed in secondary schools has also gone down from 7.45 per cent in 2006/07 to 6.98 per cent in 2007/08.
The number of persistent absentees on half days in primary schools in the county stands at 1.4 per cent.
The figures suggest schemes like Truancy Watch introduced by St Clement's College, Skegness, where members of the public are encouraged to report a student seen 'wagging' school, are working to reduce the problem.
Another scheme which could be used across the country is Truancy Call - an automated phone or text service which alerts parents as soon as a school realises a student is not present.
Managing director of the scheme Stephen Clarke said: "To tackle truancy head-on, the Government and schools must engage parents in the very earliest stages of absenteeism so children missing the odd lesson can be quickly identified and wider problems addressed before it gets to a stage when a child persistently truants and parents are charged."
The automatic system continues trying to reach a parent until a satisfactory reason for the absence is given.
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