AM Welcomes Plan

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES PLAN TO ADDRESS SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOUR
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming a new action plan to promote positive behaviour and improve school attendance. The plan, entitled “Behaving and Attending,” comes in response to the National Behaviour and Attendance Review which was published in May 2008 by an Independent Review Group.The plan will shape the direction and pace of Assembly Government Policy setting out short, medium and long-term actions which aim to create a culture of early intervention, effective support and ways to embed and disseminate good practice to promote positive behaviour and attendance in schools across Wales.Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly Government is committed to ensuring that all children have the best possible start in life, and that they are able to reach their full potential.“The Behaviour and Attendance plan stresses the important role that schools and local authorities have in identifying behaviour and attendance issues. Early intervention is essential to make sure that quality support is available to avoid disengagement and loss of self esteem.“Parents also have an integral part to play in supporting and encouraging their children. As part of the action plan we want schools to continue to strengthen links with families to ensure that the necessary support is available should a child have behavioural or academic problems or difficulty in school with bullying for example.”