I have found no evidence to suggest that those punitive measures have any long-term impacts on school attendance levels" [BBC]
In both the authorities under study, the class teachers reported the absence of any induction or CPD training to help them during the transition phase. Thus, this research study has helped in identifying the problem areas and in pointing out the measures needed to redress the situation. In special schools, head teachers expressed a need for more support from LEA and to be included in meetings regarding important policy decisions. Research attests that intervention programs for mentally and physically challenged students are very promising. A recent study by Jackie Micklethwaite at the Swanwick Primary School in Derbyshire showed that INPP exercise programs had a remarkable positive influence on children "the children enjoyed the discipline of performing an exercise routine at the beginning of the morning. It appeared to both calm and energise them and they were disappointed if their routine was unavoidably disrupted" [Sally Goddard Blythe] Thus regular exercise programs have a direct positive influence and certainly contribute to minimize truancy rates.
The research has also showed that truancy problems in primary schools can be better managed only if the schools undertake a proactive role. Only active interventions by schools would enable effective curtailing of student absence. One such initiative by the St. Mary's RC High School in West Croydon paid rich dividends. The school implemented a compulsory online registering system for every class for every student and a system of hourly phone calls to parents in case of the child's absence from classes. As the headteacher Mr. Ughwujabo says, "We don't have the situation now where children don't come to school. Truancy has stopped and the absences we have are genuine. We are now able to get quick explanations for absences." [Jane Bruccoleri]
This research has provided...
Though being a limited research in terms of the quantity, the findings of the research are highly qualitative and can be applicable to other schools in the different counties across the nation. It transpires that the Education Welfare Service needs to be geared up to meet with the demands of the primary schools which have for so long been largely ignored. There is no question of doubt that the outcome of the study has clearly outlined the discrepancies and the issues that demand our immediate attention. The solutions if judiciously undertaken would definitely help in bringing down absenteeism among primary children and consequently have a positive impact on the secondary stage as well as the future of the children.
Bibliography
1) Ken Reid, 'The views of Head Teachers and Teachers on Attendance issues in Primary Schools', Swansea Institute of Higher Education
DfES, "Every Child Counts', Accessed Apr 21st 2007, available at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/downloadableDocs/EveryChildMattersNextSteps.pdf
Jane Bruccoleri, "Primary School Puts End to High Truancy," Accessed Apr 21st 2007, available at http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/education/educationnews/display.var.1076255.0.primary_school_puts_end_to_high_truancy.php
Sally Goddard Blythe, "the INPP School Program," Accessed Apr 21st 2007, available at http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/sla/CPD%20SLA%2006-07/Behaviour%20Support/INPP%20School%20Programme.htm
NFPI, "Bullying and truancy report 2006," Accessed Apr 21st 2007, available at http://www.familyandparenting.org/pages/page2.php?id=194#6.7
BBC, 'Fines Failing to Tackle Truancy', Accessed Apr 21st 2007, available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6564147.stm
K. Reid, "The Self-Concept and Persistent School Absenteeism," British Journal of Educational Psychology, v52 Pt2 p179-87 Jun 1982
