Leeds Rhinos Foundation is working with Leeds City Council on a new project which aims to improve attendance numbers in primary schools across the city.
The 'Attend and Achieve' programme has been designed to demonstrate the importance of school to young people's futures, helping to redress the number of primary school pupils becoming disengaged with their education, to put them back on the path to academic achievement.
The programme, which has been piloted by the charity over the past 12 months to selected Leeds schools, demonstrates the relationship between low attendance and the potential wider social problems that can have an adverse effect on a young person's life.
Students on the six-week course work through sessions centred around team building, being a healthy student, positive relationships, bullying and understanding emotions, before finishing with a celebration event at the end of the course, incorporating family members who can share in their achievements.
Dan Busfield, Leeds Rhinos Foundation's Partnership Manager, commented:
"We are proud to be working with Leeds City Council, who under their Child Friendly Leeds agenda, are providing a better city to live in for our younger generation which often starts with a positive home and school environment.
"The Attend and Achieve programme is an exciting offer to schools across the city who can utilise the brand of the Leeds Rhinos, that many young people identify positively with, to re-engage students with their learning.
"Attending school regularly and engaging with the curriculum from a young age with the support of the family is paramount to young people's development and we hope with a positive intervention such as this programme, those who have become disillusioned or disengaged with school can get back on track.”
Cllr Jane Dowson, deputy executive member for learning and skills said:
"The importance of attending school cannot be underestimated. The more a child takes a full and active part in school, the more chance they have to develop and reach their potential. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind as well as other social problems.
"This new partnership is a fantastic opportunity for schools to identify those children who will benefit most from the positive influence that the Leeds Rhinos can provide. By engaging and building positive relationships with young people the course will empower them to make the right life choices and instil the importance of attending school.”
For more details on the Attend and Achieve programme, which is available to all Primary Schools contact Adam.Lunn@leedsrhinosfoundation.org