'A disgrace': Call for action over rise in pupil absence
Natasha Asghar MS, the Senedd member for South Wales East, has written to the leader of Newport City Council to address growing concerns about school absence rates in Newport and across Wales.
She said: "These figures are a disgrace — and drastic action needs to be taken.
"Despite countless warnings, far too many pupils are missing out on large parts of their education and nothing is being done about it."
New data shows unauthorised absences in secondary schools have nearly doubled over the past five years.
In Newport, the number of missed school sessions has risen from 74,122 in 2018/19 to 161,420 in 2023/24.
Ms Asghar said: "Every day missed is a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
"I'm asking the local authority to explain what's being done — and what more can be done — to turn this around."
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