THERE will be an increased focus by Bradford Council on reducing the numbers of children who go missing and those who fail to attend school over the next three years.

The authority has published its Bradford Children, Young People and Families Plan, a document that sets out the Council’s priorities for how different agencies will support the district’s 150,000 children over the next three years.

Although there are several priorities listed in the document, two “imperatives” are highlighted:

  • improving school attendance by monitoring and measuring unauthorised absences at schools;
  • and reducing the numbers of missing children.

This will be monitored by assessing the number of looked after children who had a missing or absent incident, and the number of children missing from education.

Other priorities include improving the health of young people in the district, improving children’s oral health and working with children to “promote active citizenship”.

In recent years, education regulator Ofsted has been critical of the quality of education in Bradford, and Council bosses say they hope the plan increases academic standards as well as safeguarding the district’s children.

Parkwood Primary School, Keighley, which was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its last inspection, was chosen for the launch due to its success in reducing pupils' absence rates.

Mr Jameson said the plan was not something the Council had to produce, but he added: “It is important to document what we are doing at a local level, and list what our priorities and ambitions are.

“It gives us some clarity about what we want to achieve and makes it easier for us to monitor our progress.”

Although the Council is not in control of the growing number of academies in the district, the plan will be sent out to all schools, as well as businesses and other groups involved in education, as well as being communicated to parents.

Mr Jameson added: “We all know that when children go missing they are at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation, so dealing with missing children is something we know we need to do better.”

The report's progress will be scrutinised by Council committees and the Bradford Children's Trust.

The plan links the priorities for education and children’s health and wellbeing with the Council’s wider District Plan and also alongside Bradford’s Education Covenant.

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: "The future success of Bradford depends on our children and young people and we have high aspirations for them which is why young people were closely involved in developing this plan.

"Now we want everyone involved with children and young people in Bradford to work with us in delivering this plan. If we all work together towards this shared ambition, we believe that we can make the difference that is needed.”

Councillor Val Slater, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “This plan comes at an important time. We are operating in a very difficult climate financially and we face some real challenges.

"The plan highlights our priorities for improving health and supporting the most vulnerable to keep them safe and well. We are absolutely determined that by working together, outcomes for children, young people and families will improve.”