Back to School

Evidence shows that children who miss days 2, 3 and 4 of the new term for unauthorised reasons had a higher predicted overall absence rate of around 43%, the equivalent of 30 days across the term, compared to their peers.

Ahead of the new term, the Department for Education has published new statutory guidance for schools and local authorities on ‘Working together to improve School Attendance’.

The guidance recognises that some pupils find it harder than others to attend school and schools and partners should work in partnership with pupils and parents collaboratively to remove any barriers to attendance by building strong and trusting relationships and working together to put the right support in place.

Some pupils face more complex barriers to attendance. This can include pupils who have long term physical or mental health conditions or who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The guidance recognises their right to an education is the same as any other pupil and therefore the attendance ambition for these pupils should be the same as it is for any other pupil, but additional support may need to be provided.

Councillor David Chambers, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education at Worcestershire County Council, said: "Regular attendance at school is essential in supporting a child’s learning, wellbeing and development.

“Where authorised absences are necessary, such as illness or specific needs, we strongly urge parents and carers to work with their school to arrange the required support and reasonable adjustments.

“We recognise that some children may face challenges in attending school, In these cases, we will work closely with the school to help parents and carers to address any barriers to their child’s regular attendance. Any parent or carer whose child is struggling to attend because of an issue in school, or at home, to talk to their child’s school in the first instance.”

If your child is experiencing anxiety or worry, especially during transitions or the start of a new school year and anxieties persist and affect attendance it is important to speak to your child’s school to explore potential solutions. Young Minds offers helpful advice on addressing these concerns and obtaining appropriate support if needed.

A short guide to help parents to support their children to attend school and get the right support is available to download from the Children’s Commissioner’s Website.

For any attendance enquiries, the Worcestershire County Council attendance helpline is open daily, during term time between 9:00am - 4:30pm, by calling 01905 844 440. Further information for parents and carers to support regular attendance can be found on the Information for Parents and Carers pages of the County Council website.