THE ATTENDANCE level of schoolchildren in Caerphilly county borough has risen slightly for a third consecutive year.

Figures released by the UK National Statistics’ Absenteeism from Secondary Schools in Wales report shows attendance in the county borough’s primary schools during 2012/13 increased by 0.1 per cent to 93.2 per cent. Attendance in secondary schools during the same year rose by 0.3 per cent to 92 per cent.

At primary level, of the 75 schools in the area, 38 showed an improved attendance from the previous year, with 36 matching or exceeding the council’s attendance target of 92.3 per cent.

At secondary level, nine of the county borough’s 14 secondary schools showed an improvement in attendance from the previous year, with the same number matching or exceeding the council’s 92 per cent attendance target.

The allocation of education welfare officers and resources has been reviewed and re-aligned to target areas where support is needed.

The senior education welfare officer now undertakes additional visits to target schools to monitor progress and give support and guidance.

Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Caerphilly council’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “It’s pleasing to see that levels of attendance at primary and secondary schools have risen for the third consecutive year.

“However, there remains a strong correlation between poor attendance and children and young people receiving free school meals, and there is still work to do to ensure more of our schools are meeting, or indeed exceeding, the county borough attendance targets.”