AN AWARDS ceremony was held this week to recognise schoolchildren in the borough who have made great improvements in attendance.

Richmond has previously been criticised by Ofsted over truancy levels at schools, but the council believes it is turning the tide on this problem.

And to celebrate, a presentation was held at Orleans House Gallery on Tuesday.

Richmond’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, Cllr Geoffrey Samuel, said: "There was valid criticism by Ofsted over school attendance levels, but we have taken resolute action and the tide is turning.

"Our latest information shows a distinct improvement in the overall attendance at our schools. This follows a co-ordinated strategy by the council and, in particular, the re-focused efforts of the education welfare service."

The ceremony this week marked the success of 16 young people in overcoming difficulties to improve their attendance at school over the past six months. They are all from the borough’s eight secondary schools.

The event is being hosted by Richmond’s education welfare service and sponsored by Nationwide. Certificates and prizes were awarded by Richmond’s Mayor, Cllr Nicola Urquhart. Fifteen of the pupils each received a £10 WH Smith voucher, while a first prize of £50 went to one who had made outstanding efforts.

Cllr Samuel said: "The council works hard to ensure that pupils have good attendance at school.

“Our education welfare service works closely with the young people, their parents and schools to try to ensure that attendance is as high as possible.

"These particular pupils have overcome a range of difficulties, including health and other problems, to greatly improve their attendance records. They should be congratulated."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Bob King added: "'I would like to add my own congratulations to the students who are receiving awards for their improvement in attendance at school. It has been said that we should concentrate on awarding those with excellent attendance records, and I believe this is done.

"At the same time, we must acknowledge that students who don't attend as regularly as we may like have very many different reasons for non-attendance. It is therefore right to congratulate those who have made great efforts to improve, despite their own particular circumstances."