Truancy Sweeps

Norfolk is to take part in an intensive period of DfES initiated Truancy Sweeps in the week 9^th - 13^th December 2002.

The Pupil Attendance Service working jointly with Norfolk Constabulary will be conducting the sweeps in Great Yarmouth on 11^th December, Norwich on 12^th December and King’s Lynn on the 13^th December.

A uniformed Police Officer and an Education Social Worker will patrol together. There will be three teams in each of the locations and all children of school age, including those accompanied by their parents or other adults will be challenged. Where it is appropriate to do so the child will be returned to their school, and in every case a record sheet will be completed.

If any of your pupils are found by the patrols, your help will be crucial, both possibly on the day and in follow up activities. I would particularly ask for your help in the following ways:

· respond to enquires from the patrols to verify information given by any child;

· provide a member of staff to receive children that may be returned to school;

· supply information promptly about any child’s attendance record that may be requested by staff from the Pupil Attendance Service as a result of the sweep; and

· contact parents/carers of children identified in the sweep and seek explanations for their absence.

Whilst it is more likely that those schools nearer to the city or town centres will need to respond, it is possible that children and their families from across the county will be found out shopping during this particular week; hence this letter to all schools. It is of course essential not to make the contents of this letter too widely known.

I am sure I can rely on your support for this important initiative, as your contribution is vital to maximise its effectiveness. A full evaluation will be made available in the new year and this will help us decide about such activities in the future and how and where to focus our resources in order to improve attendance. Please contact Colin Spinks, Operational Manager for Pupil Attendance Service if you would like further information on 01953 456545, or email him at colin.spinks.edu@norfolk.gov.uk.

Yours sincerely

Dr B Slater

Director of Education