New campaign highlights the importance of school attendance
A new campaign highlighting the benefits of regular school attendance has launched in Brighton & Hove.
Through the ‘Your Future Starts at School’ campaign, we are encouraging children and young people to make the most of all that school life offers.
In addition to educational qualifications, attending school regularly helps pupils to:
- make friends
- learn new skills
- build confidence
- discover their talents
- access support
Impact of missing school
The campaign has also been created to encourage families to consider the impact of avoidable absence and to seek help if needed.
- Missing 2 days of school a month means missing nearly 3 weeks during a school year
- Being 15 minutes late every day means missing 2 weeks of learning lost in an academic year
- Pupils with more than 95% attendance achieve at least one grade higher in GCSE results
- Even 90% attendance means losing 19 days of education in a school year
Support is available
Support is available for pupils with concerns affecting their school attendance, and for parents and carers who are struggling to motivate their children to attend school.
Every school in Brighton & Hove has staff trained to help families who are struggling with attendance. To find out more about what help is available, contact your school in the first instance.
Schools will also be provided with campaign materials to share with parents and pupils, including infographics and posters about the benefits of being at school.
For more information and support, visit our school attendance webpage.
Don’t suffer in silence
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said:
“Every school day is an opportunity for our children and young people to shape their future. Even missing a few days of school each month, or being 15 minutes late each day, can have a significant impact on educational achievements and future prospects.
“But school is about much more than attainment and exam results – it's also an important space where children and young people can build their confidence and develop vital life skills through sports, clubs, trips and more.
“Your future starts at school, so don’t suffer in silence if you’re struggling with attendance – reach out to school staff to find out how they can support you.”
