Scottish Government
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Improving school attendance
Early intervention in a child's life could be a key factor in improving school attendance, according to Minister for Schools and Skills Maureen Watt.
She was commenting on the latest attendance and absence statistics. These revealed that absence rates were greater among pupils:
- from deprived areas
- with additional support needs
- looked after by the local authority.
Speaking on a visit to Penicuik High School, Ms Watt said:
"No pupil should find their educational opportunities limited by their background or circumstances. Pupils who are missing out on education - for whatever reason - are missing out on chances.
"It is distressing that pupils who need the most support are more likely to have higher than average absences.
"Early intervention - which we are determined will be the hallmark of this government's policies - will be a key factor in addressing this. By providing help and support for children and their families, from the earliest possible age, we can ensure youngsters and their parents or carers view education as a positive experience.
"Our new guidance - Included, Engaged and Involved - supports schools and authorities to build on early intervention, to keep pupils included, engaged and involved in school throughout their school career.
"Today's statistics show that, on the whole, attendance is improving as is schools' recording of unauthorised absence such as truancy. These are welcome developments but I also want to see a reduction in the rate of absence due to family holidays.
"Parents must understand that it is unacceptable to take their children out of school for a family holiday unless there are exceptional circumstances. Education is too important and parents must ensure their children get the maximum benefit out of schooling every day."
Mark Edie, headteacher of Penicuik High School, said:
"I am fundamentally convinced that good attendance is necessary for our young people to succeed, not only in school but also in the world of work.
"Unless our students are in class ready and willing to work they will not be able to give of their very best. At the heart of our good attendance figures are our parents who are committed to ensuring that their children are turning up for school regularly, on time, with the right equipment and, just as importantly, with the right attitude.
"Our staff work hard to engage all of our young people in active learning opportunities when they are in class so that they are fully involved in the learning experience.
"Attendance is regularly monitored and any absences are fully investigated by our guidance team to ensure that our pupils are given the very clear message about how important education is to their life chances."
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