RYDE LAUNCHES TRUANCY WATCH SCHEME
Children in Ryde suspected of playing truant won’t be served in the town’s shops. Businesses, the Isle of Wight Council (pictured) and Hampshire Constabulary are working together on a scheme that they say has already proved a success in Newport. Under Truancy Watch, participating shops and food outlets will not serve school pupils on school days, between 9am and 3pm, unless they are accompanied by an adult and have a good reason. Regular truancy sweeps will also be carried out. According to the local authority, the scheme has cut truancy in Newport by 50%.