With the new academic year underway, Knowsley Council has launched a new campaign to remind all pupils, parents and carers the impact showing up for school has on the future of young people.
Real life experiences to build the adults of the future
Regular attendance in the classroom means that pupils hear real voices, meet real people and have real tangible experiences. These include:
- Learning to socialise and build lasting friendships
- Discover hidden talents in a range of subjects, including drama, science, and sport
- Uncover passions that lead to future careers
- Gain confidence
- Get support from trusted adults during tough times
These opportunities help shape children and young people into the adults they become in the future.
Regular attendance supports greater achievement
Recent research from the Department of Education has shown that regular school attendance supports pupils to achieve good grades and ultimately good jobs. Highlights from the research include:
- Pupils missing just 10 days more than their peers are half as likely to achieve good GCSEs.
- For each extra day of absence between Year 7 and Year 11, a typical pupil loses £750 in future lifetime earnings.
- Good attendance offers an additional safeguard for the vulnerable, via meaningful activity, access to trusted adults and wellbeing support.
- There is a significant impact on the mental health of children who are severely absent.
Support is available for parents and carers
Parents are also reminded that there is support available if they have concerns around their child’s attendance. This can be accessed by speaking to the child’s teacher at the earliest opportunity. The school will then take steps to provide support and address any issues as early as possible.
Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said “School days are some of the best days of your life. You get so many opportunities to try new things and learn new skills that you wouldn’t get anywhere else, as well as making great memories.
“Wherever you are on your education journey, just starting out or starting secondary school, make every school day count and ensure you don’t miss out on the vast array of opportunities that school brings.”