The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 outlines parents and carers legal responsibility to provide a suitable education for their child until school leaving age.  Where a child of school age enrolled in a public school, fails to attend regularly, the parent shall be deemed to have failed to secure regular attendance of their child at school.  It is therefore essential that parents and carers are aware of their responsibilities with regards to attendance and supported to enable their child to attend school on a regular basis. Working in partnership with parents will ensure positive and trusting relationships are in place to realise this responsibility and enable all relevant stakeholders effectively address any barriers to attendance.

Parents and carers should be given clear information by the school regarding their responsibility to inform the school of any known attendance discrepancies and provide up to date emergency contact information. Engaging parents and carers in supporting attendance requires a collaborative and proactive approach. Firstly, schools should establish open lines of communication with parents through regular newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher meetings, providing clear information on the importance of attendance and its impact on academic success. Hosting workshops and seminars specifically focused on the connection between regular attendance and positive educational outcomes can help parents understand their role in fostering a culture of attendance. Additionally, creating a welcoming environment within the school encourages parental involvement, making it easier for them to participate in their child’s education. Schools can also utilise digital platforms and social media to share information and resources, ensuring that communication is accessible and convenient for all parents. Implementing a recognition system for parents who actively support and prioritise their child’s attendance further reinforces the importance of their involvement. Moreover, seeking feedback from parents about potential barriers to attendance and collaboratively finding solutions strengthens the partnership between the school and families. By embracing these best practices, schools can create a supportive network that actively involves parents in promoting and sustaining positive attendance habits among students in Dumfries and Galloway.

Schools in Dumfries and Galloway should proactively identify and mitigate against any potential barriers to parental engagement and involvement, for example, additional support needs.  Dumfries and Galloway is committed to providing a trauma responsive service and therefore it is essential that social and emotional barriers to engagement are given due consideration with alternative forms of communication and engagement considered as appropriate.

In resolving any barriers to attendance, schools, parents/carers and their children should work together to identify the skills, strengths and resources that they already have which can help them to reach a solution to any difficulties which may be hindering attendance. Schools should engage with the wider parent body to help understand any potential barriers within the community. The Parent Council may have a role in supporting this.

What is Parental Involvement?

What is Family Learning?