CRACKDOWN CALL ON KIDS SKIPPING SCHOOL
‘Targeted strategy’ move over city pupils not being in class
A COUNCILLOR has appealed for a targeted strategy to stop pupils skipping school.
Families have approached councillor Soryia Siddique over children in uniform hanging about Bennan Square in Govanhill when they should be in school.
The problem has now been raised with the education department at Glasgow City Council.
A CALL has been made for a targeted strategy to stop truanting after concerns were raised about children out of school in a South Side community.
Residents around Bennan Square in Govanhill claim they have repeatedly reported seeing children in uniform hanging about when they should be in class.
Local councillor Soryia Siddique said she had been approached by concerned constituents while the issue was also discussed at a Govanhill Regeneration Group meeting.
Local councillor Soryia Siddique said: “At meetings of Govanhill and Crosshill Community Council and from constituent inquiries it has become increasingly apparent that there is concern regarding children not attending school in Govanhill.
“There are complaints children are seen in parks, shops and sometimes streets.
“I have raised this with the education department at the city council.
“It’s apparent the unique challenges in Govanhill require a funded strategy.
“Additional family support officers are needed in the area which could maximise family engagement and child attendance.
“Every child should attend school, since education and attainment is linked to life chances.”
At the Govanhill Regeneration Group meeting, Dr Siddique brought the issue to education boss Donald Macleod, who said the problem was being addressed.
However, he added that attendance in schools across the city is being impacted by a staffing shortage.
An increase in supply teachers, he said, means there is not as much of a focus on following up with absent pupils as there should be.
Marion Nisbet, of Crosshill and Govanhill Community Council, also expressed concern, saying she frequently sees Holyrood Secondary and Shawlands Academy pupils out in Govanhill when they should be in class.
Another local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The youngsters aren’t causing any problems in the area particularly – if you don’t count dropping litter.
“But it is worrying to see children hanging about in groups or even sometimes on their own in Bennan Square.
“If they are not in school then they are obviously not learning but also they are being left open to being approached by strangers. “Anything could happen. “You do see teachers from the school coming past but not much seems to be done.”
However, a spokeswoman from Glasgow City Council said Holyrood Secondary is well aware of the issue and is working to resolve it.
The spokeswoman said: “The school responded to some local concern of pupils congregating in the residential area and have been working with the young people, their families and the senior management team to resolve this.
“The pupils’ attendance is improving and the school will continue, along with the campus police office, to liaise with residents.”