Fear of rising numbers of Suffolk teenagers not in school or training

New data on the number of teenagers who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is set to be discussed at the county council's Education and Children's Services Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday next.

The data shows a worsening situation in Suffolk, with 4.83 per cent of 16 and 17 year olds finding themselves NEET in 2023/24, compared to 3.5 per cent five years ago, an increase of more than of 275 young people.

Likewise, the proportion of young people in training fell to 90.1 percent, compared to 92.54 percent in 2020/21.

The report states that the continued rise in NEET numbers is due to an “increasing complexity of needs” represented by an increase in the number of young people benefiting from an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or receiving 'SEND support.

At the same time, the data also shows an increase in the number of seriously absent pupils in the last two years of compulsory education – reasons given in the report include poor mental health, high anxiety, poor transport and financial pressures.

According to the report, some young people don't even have a clue what they want to do.

Despite several projects by the county council in partnership with schools attempting to cope with this increase, the report goes on to say that resources cannot match the growth in demand – some of the services available have also been subject to review as part of the council's cost savings. had to do to balance the books.