Agenda item

·  To note the Virtual Headteacher – Absenteeism update

·  For the committee to feedback any comments on Southwark looked after children’s attendance for consideration by the Virtual School Headteacher.

Usha Singh, virtual headteacher presented the report to the committee, highlighting key issues.

Discussion / queries:

·  Mention about the Latin-American category not showing up in statistics/presentation before the committee

·  Types of reasons for suspensions listed under the category of ‘other’.

·  Concern about the young people/children when not in school and possible link with crime. Usha Singh explained the work being undertaken with the schools with exclusions and suspensions to address, including phoning the school every day to check on attendance. The school also try various strategies including; trying to engage with children and young people and to establish career choices to encourage attendance.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Virtual Headteacher – Absenteeism update report be noted.

2.  That the committee receive a report back on exclusions.