Swindon Borough Council has issued guidance for parents and guardians who are concerned about children failing to attend school.
"School attendance is crucially important for children and young people’s education, their wellbeing, their safety, and their future prospects. Schools are there to support parents and carers to make sure their children attend school regularly.
"Sometimes though, getting children to school isn’t easy, for instance, if a child is anxious or refusing to go, this can also be a worrying time for parents.
"If this is the case, your child’s school will be able to help you and your child settle back into a good routine."
The council's tips for parents and guardians are:
- As soon as you are concerned about your child’s attendance, speak to their school. The school can offer support and advice on how you can work together to help your child be in school regularly.
- Talk to your child about the importance of regularly attending school and find out about any concerns they might have.
- Put good routines in place at home to help your child get into the rhythm of being ready for school on time every day.
- Talk to them about their day when they get home as being interested excites them and helps them want to go the next day.
- Make routine appointments, for instance, for the dentist or optician, outside of school hours, at weekends or during the holidays where possible.
- Don’t book holidays during term-time. You’ll need permission from the head teacher for term-time absences, otherwise it’ll be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
- If your children do miss a day, talk to their school about how they can help your child catch up.
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