Pembrokeshire Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have written to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council calling for urgent action to tackle soaring rates of pupil absenteeism in local schools.
New figures reveal a troubling picture across Wales, with unauthorised absences in secondary schools now nearly double what they were just five years ago.
In Pembrokeshire, there are particular concerns as the data shows the number of pupils missing school in 2018/19 was 34,177 and that figure has risen to 66,810 in 2023/24.
There are concerns that without intervention to get children back into the classroom these figures could increase again, and so Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz have called for Pembrokeshire County Council to set out how it intends to address the issue.
Mr Davies said: “These figures are extremely worrying, and urgent action needs to be taken. It’s clear that more needs to be done to support families and schools in getting children back into classrooms. Every day missed is a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
“Pembrokeshire County Council must outline how it’s addressing this matter and explain what’s being done to turn this around.”
Mr Kurtz said, “Parents and teachers are all telling us the current situation can’t go on. Persistent absence doesn’t just dent exam results, it widens inequality and harms young people’s wellbeing.
"The council must work with schools, health services and community groups to understand why so many children are staying away and put in place clear, measurable actions.
"Every child in Pembrokeshire deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and that starts with being in school."
