Campaign to encourage more pupils back into school

As children start back after the Christmas break there will be some pupils dreading the start of the school term. For some it will be a short blip and then it's back to the routine. For others though anxiety can be crippling and ultimately lead to avoiding school for days hampering long term prospects.

Wiltshire Council is part of a multi-agency approach working together to address issues around school attendance. A team of education welfare officers are ready to support those families where children are experiencing difficulties with attendance and help them find a way to get back into school. The council and partners are also working together on targeted programmes to provide wraparound support and address any issues on school attendance.

A key strand is ensuring the message is clear to families - you're not alone. Speak to your school or Wiltshire Council so we can work with you on a plan to support your child back into school and with their peers.

Evidence shows securing good attendance at school is an essential foundation for raising pupil attainment. Attendance of just 95% equates to half a day off every two weeks for a whole year. For 80% attendance it equates to one whole day off every week for a whole year. School attendance in Wiltshire reflects the national picture which has seen a marked drop in being at school particularly since the COVID 19 pandemic.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: We are worried there are many children not attending school at the moment, but we know being in school is the best place for them to be. It's where they can be with their friends, learn, enjoy life and thrive. Post pandemic we've seen a marked increase in anxiety levels in pupils which can then become a reason not to go to school. That's just one factor, and of course there are a host of other reasons why a child may refuse to attend. But missing school can have a long-term impact and we want our children, young people and families to be supported.

That's why we're raising awareness with families that they are not alone. They can pick up the phone and speak to their school or our education welfare officers. We are all want the best for our children. We want parents, children and young people to feel supported and to have the tools they need to get back to school. Our business plan commits us to ensuring every one of our children achieves their optimal physical, emotional and mental health. Attending schools helps to achieve this.

Helen Carpenter, Headteacher at Kingdown School, said: It can be hard for parents getting their child into school every day, but I think the benefits are huge - both in terms of wellbeing and their learning. Even missing the odd day can impact. Getting children into daily routines is important; your school can support if your child is struggling, with provision like Breakfast Clubs, counselling and checking in with students when they arrive. Promoting resilience is key and it does get easier as children get used to the school day routine. If your child needs a plan to get them back into school, I'd contact the pastoral team (Head of House or Year) and ask for support with this as they can reward children as they start to build their attendance.

Wiltshire Council Education Welfare Officer Alison has been working in her job for 18 years and believes with the right support children and young people can turn a corner.

She said: I think one of the best feelings is when we do manage to hook that child back. We find whatever it is, it might even be something as specific as something that they really enjoy that a school will put in place for them.

It's the focus in on that individual making them realise they are an individual. To see that positivity, to see that realisation of a young child or a young person that thinks I can do this when I leave school. It's the most awesome feeling and it's something that I have seen in my 18 years and I hope I continue to see as long as I'm doing this job.

Cllr Mayes talks about the importance of attending school - https://youtu.be/Is0CMakg8Ys (opens new window).

Education Welfare Officer Alison explains how they provide support - https://youtu.be/n0nSFYEu0rs (opens new window).