Supporting your child’s attendance at school
School attendance matters, but we know it’s not always easy. Many families across North Lanarkshire are facing challenges that make regular attendance harder, especially after the pandemic and during the cost-of-living crisis.
If your child is struggling to attend school, you’re not alone. Support is available, and small steps can make a big difference. Working together, your child, you, and their school can help build routines, confidence and a more positive school experience.
Why attendance matters
Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and school plays a big part in that. Attending school regularly helps your child to:
- Make friends and build positive relationships.
- Learn new skills for life, work, and learning.
- Grow their confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
- Take part in clubs, sports, music and celebrations.
- Understand responsibility and respect for others.
Let’s help every pupil show up, thrive, and feel proud to be part of something bigger!
How you can help
- Build routines: A consistent start and end to the day helps your child feel ready for school. Breakfast clubs and Future Fridays can support this.
- Plan ahead: Try to book non-urgent appointments outside school hours. If one falls during the day, aim to return your child to school afterwards.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with the school. Staff, including the Head Teacher and Cluster Integration and Improvement Lead (CIIL) are there to support you.
- Report absences: Always let the school know if your child is off by phone, text, or email.
If your child is anxious about school
It’s natural for children to feel worried sometimes, but staying off can make it harder to return. The best first step is to talk to the school. They’ll listen, understand, and work with you to help your child feel safe and supported.
Not sure who to speak to? Start with the school office or ask to speak to the Head Teacher, or another trusted staff member.
Help is also available from Parent Club to overcome barriers like anxiety, relationships and well-being, plus advice on how to work with your child’s school: Talking to your child’s school about attendance | Parent Club
There are several other agencies and services that can provide you with professional help and advice:
ParentLine Scotland is a free, confidential, service for anyone caring for a child in Scotland. You can call about any problem, however big or small. Find out more: www.children1st.org.uk/parentline-scotland
Phone: 0808 800 2222
Parentzone provides information for parents and cares about how you can support your child’s education: www.educationscotland.gov.scot/parentzone
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide information and support about rights and responsibilities when it comes to schools and education: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning and operates a helpline for parents, carers and practitioners. An interpreter can be arranged upon request.
Telephone helpline: 0845 123 2303
Email: info@enquire.org.uk
ABEL is a voluntary organisation that developed out of the strong desire of parents to do something for themselves to overcome the devastating effects that bullying can have on children, their families and their community. ABEL offers information and support to the young person being bullied and their family and the young person displaying the bullying behaviour and their family.
Find out more: www.antibullyingeastlothian.org.uk
The National Parent Forum of Scotland provides parents with information and advice on understanding the curriculum and supporting their child’s education. You also have the opportunity to sign up to take part in surveys to have your say in your child’s education.
Find out more: www.parentforumscotland.org