North Yorkshire Council is aiming to address the rising number of school absences and the children missing out on the benefits of education.
In 2023/24 there were 10,076 suspensions in all schools in North Yorkshire, with a total of 19,600 days of lost learning – which is deemed to be education days missed by children and young people when not in school for various reasons.
There were 122 permanent exclusions during 2023/24 in all schools in North Yorkshire. Figures reveal more than half of these pupils had a special educational need (SEN).
The council receives about £644 of SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) funding per pupil, while the top funded local authority nationally gets £1,154 per pupil.
School leaders, councillors and representatives from our children and young people’s service met to discuss the issues and stage workshops to come up with potential solutions.
More than 150 people attended the “Education Matters” event at the Pavilions in Harrogate to work on how they can get more children to successfully remain in school.
Solutions included creatively working together to holistically support the children and young people to stay in school, to work with other agencies and partners to help young people feel like part of the school community and to share best practice.
The council's Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:
“The challenges following the pandemic continue. Some of our young people are struggling with their mental health, we have more children not attending school, more children with education and health care plans, more children in care and we’re in the most challenging place financially.”
She added:
“School is the place of safety for young children. However, many are missing school through all forms of ‘lost learning’. Education matters.
"I really appreciate the efforts schools are making to improve our schools and to make them more inclusive, education professionals across the county give their heart and soul in an ever-changing landscape.”
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson agreed that schools contribute to wellbeing by providing a safe, calm and supportive learning environment.
She added:
“The challenges schools face are getting greater as the public purse tightens.
“This event is important as it shows the commitment we all have to get our children and young people back into learning and with the support they need.”
Meanwhile, nationally, the Secretary of State, Bridget Phillipson recently stated that the most recent data shows a third of 15-year-olds do not feel they belong in school.
She claimed that there is an “absence epidemic” nationally with one in five children persistently absent, missing a day of school every other week.
She also acknowledged that the SEND system is “failing families on every measure”.
Corporate director for children and young people’s services, Stuart Carlton, said:
“We, like other local authorities, have financial challenges with funding SEND provision, combined with a SEND system that isn’t fit for purpose.
“At the same time, we’re in a climate of children not attending school and missing out on their learning. This lost learning has a negative impact on their future with poor exam results and poor job outlooks.
"We need to turn this around and get children back in the classroom with the dedicated and passionate teachers we have in the county.”
He added:
“Schools and trusts must create welcoming, engaging and inclusive spaces for pupils. Our children and young people develop a sense of belonging when they attend school and this maximises their opportunities for life.
“Change is coming and by working together we can come up with the solutions.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
