School attendance data quality improves
The quality of school attendance data collected daily from schools should improve as a result of discussions that took place in the School Places and Planning sub-group on 16th October 2020. Members noted that some schools and VI form colleges were using the ‘X’ code differently in relation to physical absence from the school site, where pupils were self-isolating, but asymptomatic, or where VI form students were being asked to study at home if they did not have timetabled contact time. This has informed changes to the questions asked in the daily data.
Other areas discussed included the reliability of bus services, post-16 free transport, SEN travel assistance, arrangements for the Bexley selection tests and PVI sufficiency. Members were also shown information which reassured them that strict processes are followed to ensure that pupils with SEN meet the entrance criteria for the specialist provision they attend.
