ELEANOR RAISES SCHOOL EXCLUSION CONCERNS (Eleanor Burnham )

Cymraeg
English

Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

ELEANOR RAISES SCHOOL EXCLUSION CONCERNS

October 15, 2008 6:00 PM

As the Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Spokesperson for Children and Young People it dismays me that so many young people find themselves excluded from the school system.

Recently - released figures show that suspensions and short-term exclusions are constantly increasing I worry that without early intervention these young people's lives will be blighted forever.

Assembly investigations reveal that young people with social and behavioural problems form the core of those categorised as "NEET" - not in employment, education or training.

The recommendations of the Chair of the Assembly's National Attendance and Behaviour Review, Professor Ken Reid, include early intervention as well as the provision of a named, trained professional in behaviour, attendance and parental liaison available in every secondary school.

The report was delivered this May, but the Education Minister has yet to implement any of its recommendations.

I urge the Minister to give this report the priority it deserves and to help get our young people - and ultimately the future Welsh economy - back on the road to recovery.