Council launches the benefits of school attendance campaign

Bridgend County Borough Council has officially launched a campaign to highlight the importance of school attendance.

Backed by schools across the county borough, the campaign highlights the importance for children to attend school and return to the classroom following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on the benefits of school beyond learning along with providing support and resources for parents of children who are struggling to attend.

It is vitally important that children across Bridgend County Borough attend school whenever possible. For example, with an attendance rate of 90 per cent during one school year, a pupil could miss over 100 lessons.

Parents and carers of school pupils are not permitted to withdraw pupils from school during term time and any request for leave must be approved by headteachers prior to the absence.

After a difficult couple of years, it’s incredibly important to ensure pupils attend school on a regular basis. Attending school can give children the best chance of succeeding later in life.

Achieving an education is important, but there are several other benefits of engaging well with learning. We know that there will be some pupils who will face challenges when it comes to regular school attendance, and we want to reassure parents and pupils that there is help available to them.

If your child is struggling with school attendance, please get in touch with your school for help and advice.

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education

For more information on the campaign, you can visit the school attendance webpage on the council’s website.