Swansea City's Leon Britton and Lee Trundle meet star pupils
21st February
Swans skipper Leon Britton and club ambassador Lee Trundle had high praise for star students whose attendance figures have proved top of the class.
The pair were in attendance at an awards ceremony at the Guildhall which recognised local pupils who have achieved excellent attendance at school.
After meeting the successful students, they handed out an array of prizes - from televisions to multi-gyms - to those who either received outstanding attendance or improving records under Swansea Council's Incentivising Attendance Programme.
Britton was full of praise for the scheme and students. He said: "It's a great scheme. I've got kids myself and to get them up and get them motivated for school is difficult, but these kids are a great example of children who make the effort and get there. They've been rewarded for that, so hopefully their classmates can take notice of that too."
Trundle also believes the scheme has a hugely positive affect, adding: "The standard of the prizes are fantastic, and when the kids go back in to school and tell their friends what they got for their attendance, I think more will want to stay in school."
Just three years ago, attendance in primary schools in Swansea had been highlighted by Estyn as an area of concern. Since then, huge strides have been made to improve attendance at a primary and secondary level and now Swansea is among the most improved areas in the country.
Councillor Jen Raynor, cabinet member for education, said, "We are grateful to Swansea City for supporting our drive to improve attendance and the pupils were clearly delighted that Leon and Lee were able to attend to present them with their prizes.
"It was lovely to meet some of the pupils who have played their part and to have a chance to congratulate them, their families and teachers for their excellent attendance records."
