Speed awareness courses inspire school’s approach to truancy

A north London school has swapped truancy fines for parents for education awareness courses.

The head teacher of Netley Primary School in Camden, Gareth Morris, decided to try a different method to tackle the number of children regularly missing lessons – and has been praised for the success of his approach.

Inspired by speed awareness courses offered to drivers as an educational alternative to speeding fines, the “empathetic” approach asks parents who are at risk of receiving a fixed penalty notice to attend four sessions which highlight the risks of persistent absence.

The courses have “dramatically” improved attendance for eight out of 10 families who have taken part so far, the school said

“The feedback from parents has been incredibly positive, especially around highlighting the anxiety their children feel from missing school,” Mr Morris said.

He added that if attendance remained low, parents would still receive a fixed penalty notice – but when the school did see improvements they “just continue to offer enhanced support and monitor”.