Contact: Jim McGilvery, Deputy Principal Education Welfare Officer, tel: 02380 812113,

email address: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Education approve the revised Code of Conduct for the Issuing of Penalty Notices in respect of Unauthorised Absence from Schools.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision supports the Hampshire County Council priorities:

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all" - children and young people who are not attending school may become involved in offending or may be vulnerable to or at risk of becoming a victim of crime;

" Maximising well-being" - the overall development and well-being of children and young people as well as the opportunity to acquire more academic qualifications and training is likely to be enhanced if they attend school regularly;

" Enhancing our quality of place" - the enhancement of children and young people's development and an increase in their academic qualifications and training is likely to improve the contribution they make to society and the place in which they live.

2.2 This decision also supports the Aims of the Children Act:

"Being healthy" - as indicated above, regular school attendance contributes positively to the overall development of children and young people and therefore improves their health;

"Staying safe" - children and young people who are absent from school may be vulnerable and either at risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour or may themselves become the victims of crime;

"Enjoying and achieving" - regular attendance at school will not only enhance the opportunities for children and young people to enjoy the experience of learning but will also promote opportunities for them to further their academic achievements;

" Making a positive contribution" - through acquiring experiences and knowledge, children and young people who attend school regularly are more likely to make a positive contribution to and become an `inclusive' member of society;

"Achieving economic well-being" - children and young people who benefit from learning and training by attending school regularly are more likely to secure regular employment in the future and hence achieve economic well-being.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

To leave the Code of Conduct with the current wording could lead to inconsistencies regarding the issuing of penalty notices across the area of Hampshire County Council.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted:

None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent:

Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

Councillor D A Kirk

Executive Member for Education