It is concerning that the levels of attendance levels in the final week of term have shown a consistent trend of reducing over the past 3 years both in primary and secondary schools. While in secondary some of this can be ascribed to the post-exam period for the senior years, it does show a worrying trend.

I am calling on the Fife Council Education and Children’s Services Department to look into the causes of this and if necessary take remedial action. Anytime out of the classroom unless necessary is detrimental to our children’s education and it should be a priority to minimise this where possible.