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Schools: Standards

Answer

This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to my hon. Friend and a copy of her response has been placed in the Libraries.Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 22 July 2010:Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for response."There are considerable variations in attendance rates for schools in similar, challenging contexts, with high levels of pupil mobility, and these are often related to the quality of their strategies to reduce absence and promote regular attendance. Regular attendance is a critical factor in ensuring that pupils are able to learn effectively, make good progress and stay safe. While there is a clear statistical link between attendance and levels of social deprivation, it is important that this does not detract from the school's determination to secure good attendance however difficult the circumstances.""Inspectors exercise professional judgement when considering the extent to which overall attendance rates are affected by the poor attendance of a transient group of pupils. Inspectors evaluate the impact of the school's efforts to improve the attendance of pupils who are frequently absent and this is likely to be reflected in their judgement about the quality of the care, guidance and support provided by the school.""Many parents take extended family holidays during term time. Inspectors cannot ignore this type of absence and there are wide variations in how well this is managed by schools. When schools have built strong and productive partnerships with parents which help them to support their children's learning, holiday absence is less likely to be a serious problem. Positive and proactive action on the part of the school may then reflect favourably on the judgement about the school's leadership and management, including the specific judgement about the effectiveness of its engagement with parents and carers.""Inspectors are sensitive to the particular circumstances of schools which include the children of service personnel. It is Ministry of Defence practice to grant a two-week period of rest and recreation for personnel returning from active deployment. For those with young families, this usually means them wanting to take their children out of school for all or part of this. Inspectors take account of the impact these arrangements when making a judgement on attendance in such schools. They also take account of unusual weather conditions, such as the prolonged periods of snow experienced in some areas during December 2009 and January 2010.""Detailed guidance on judging attendance is available on the Ofsted website at:""www.ofsted.gov.uk""A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Houses."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

9967; 515 c1181-2W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Standards Schools

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk