Persistent absence from school among pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) has increased from 30.4% in the 2023–24 academic year to 42.7%.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn, has written to Dr Lowri Brown, Conwy County Borough Council’s Chief Education Officer, expressing concern about the rising number of ALN pupils absent from school.
In her letter, she has asked a series of questions to establish what more can be done to support these pupils and improve attendance.
Janet commented:
“I am increasingly concerned by the number of parents who have approached me, and other elected representatives, for assistance because their children are either not attending school or are struggling due to inadequate support for their additional learning needs.
“This is having a serious impact on both their education and wellbeing. Without urgent intervention, these children risk being left behind, which is completely unacceptable.
“Many of these absences are linked to the challenges associated with their conditions, with some children experiencing burnout and anxiety. Ensuring the right support is in place can help reduce these barriers, enabling pupils to attend school regularly and reach their full potential.
“I have asked Dr Brown a series of questions that will provide a clearer picture of the extent of pupil absence among those with ALN, as well as the policies, procedures and support mechanisms currently in place to address the issue.
“We must do more to support our pupils, ensuring they can access the education they deserve and have every opportunity to thrive.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
Mae absenoldeb parhaus o'r ysgol ymhlith disgyblion ag anghenion dysgu ychwanegol (ADY) wedi cynyddu o 30.4% ym mlwyddyn academaidd 2023–24 i 42.7%.
Mae Janet Finch-Saunders, AS Bangor Conwy Môn, wedi ysgrifennu at Dr Lowri Brown, Prif Swyddog Addysg Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy, yn mynegi pryder am y cynnydd yn nifer y disgyblion ADY sy'n absennol o'r ysgol.
Yn ei llythyr, mae hi wedi gofyn cyfres o gwestiynau i sefydlu beth mwy y gellir ei wneud i gefnogi'r disgyblion hyn a gwella presenoldeb.
Meddai Janet:
"Rwy'n bryderus iawn am nifer y rhieni sydd wedi cysylltu â mi, a chynrychiolwyr etholedig eraill, am gymorth gan fod eu plant naill ai ddim yn mynd i’r ysgol neu'n cael trafferth oherwydd cefnogaeth annigonol ar gyfer eu hanghenion dysgu ychwanegol.
"Mae hyn yn cael effaith ddifrifol ar eu haddysg a'u lles. Heb ymyrraeth frys, mae'r plant hyn mewn perygl o gael eu gadael ar ôl, sy'n gwbl annerbyniol.
"Mae llawer o'r absenoldebau hyn yn ymwneud â'r heriau sy'n gysylltiedig â'u cyflyrau, gyda rhai plant yn profi diffygiad a gorbryder. Gall sicrhau bod y gefnogaeth briodol ar waith helpu i leihau'r rhwystrau hyn, gan alluogi disgyblion i fynd i'r ysgol yn rheolaidd a chyrraedd eu potensial llawn.
"Rydw i wedi gofyn cyfres o gwestiynau i Dr Brown a fydd yn rhoi darlun cliriach o hyd a lled absenoldeb disgyblion ymhlith y rhai sydd ag ADY, yn ogystal â'r polisïau, y gweithdrefnau a'r mecanweithiau cymorth sydd ar waith ar hyn o bryd i fynd i'r afael â'r mater.
"Mae'n rhaid i ni wneud mwy i gefnogi ein disgyblion, gan sicrhau eu bod yn gallu cael yr addysg maen nhw'n ei haeddu a chael pob cyfle i ffynnu."
DIWEDD
