Perth and Kinross councillor suggests more pupils "plunking" school because of free bus passes

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Perth and Kinross councillor has suggested free bus travel for Under 22s is increasing truanting.He made the claim as councillors examined a case study of how Kinross High School has improved attendance.Perth and Kinross Council's (PKC) Scrutiny and Performance Committee was asked to consider and comment on the latest Pupil Equity Funding report on Monday, December 11.The 2023 report highlighted work that had been done to raise attendance levels and reduce unauthorised absence following a dip in attendance rates post-COVID.The report said: "In common with schools across Perth and Kinross Council, levels of attendance post-COVID in Kinross High School have been lower than previously with increased levels of unauthorised absence."Kinross High School used money from the Pupil Equity Fund and the Devolved School Management budget to increase its number of Pupil Care and Welfare officers from one to three.

They focussed on attendance and timekeeping - supporting and building links with young people and and working as part of the guidance team.

And because they are not teachers, "there is less of a barrier with young people".As a result attendance has increased and unauthorised absences have decreased.

Based on a yearly average of 88 per cent attendance, during term four it improved to 93 per cent. And "it has now been included as a more permanent approach" to improving attendance at the school.At this week's committee meeting, Conservative councillor Angus Forbes asked officers about "plunking".