 Many authorities link truancy with petty crime |
Truancy levels at schools in Leicestershire are half the national average, government figures show. In recent years improving attendance levels has been a high priority for the county council.
The total absence for county schools in the last academic year was 5.5% - the lowest in seven years and well below the national average of 6.57%.
Unauthorised absence - truancy - levels were also down at just 0.3%, compared with a national rate of 0.7%.
Education spokesman councillor Ivan Ould has welcomed the figures and said: "There is compelling evidence that young people who do not attend school miss out on the life chances that a good education can provide and they are also vulnerable to crime.
"As the figures show, the majority of parents in Leicestershire support schools in ensuring that their child attends regularly.
"But for the minority who fail to do so, we will take action to ensure that their children do not miss out on their education."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
