Schoolchildren net awards for excellent attendance

5.50.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd Jul 2007

Excellent attendance by the borough's secondary and special school pupils was celebrated last week.

Dozens of pupils picked up certificates and HMV vouchers during an event at York House on Friday (July 13), staged by the borough's Education Welfare Service to improve school attendance. A total of 300 children achieved 100 per cent attendance this year, including 37 pupils who have not missed a day of school for two years in a row.

A further 46 youngsters were nominated to receive an award for most improved attendance. Out of these, 16 were chosen to win vouchers after overcoming personal difficulties to improve attendance this year. There were also awards for creative pupils who designed posters on the theme of attendance, following special assemblies in the borough's schools. The awards were presented by Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education on Richmond Council. Speaking after the event, he said:

"The Council's Education Welfare Service works closely with young people, parents and schools to drive up attendance in the borough and a busy year of special activities have seen a surge in the number of excellent achievers. Many of the pupils have overcome health or other problems to improve their attendance. Those who achieved 100% attendance for two years running are also to be congratulated. I was delighted to be able to share in their celebrations.

"I was also impressed by the high level of creative skills demonstrated in the poster competition. The young designers were able to imaginatively get across the message that time off affects your performance at school."