Ensuring your child or young person attends school regularly is crucial for their academic success and overall wellbeing. Here are some top tips for parents in Dumfries & Galloway to promote regular school attendance.
1. Establish a Routine
Set a consistent daily routine for bedtime, wake-up time and meal times to ensure your child or young person gets enough sleep and is ready for school each day.
Create a smooth and stress-free morning routine that allows enough time for breakfast and getting ready for school without rushing.
Monitoring and managing the amount of time your child spends online can also support better sleep patterns, for example setting up your WI-FI so that children can only access this at certain times, ensuring parental controls are in place where required and ensuring that access to tablets/mobile phones/gaming consoles etc are not accessible during bedtime. Consistency is key.
School Mornings Without the Stress – Child Mind Institute
2. Communicate the Importance of School
Express a positive attitude towards education and emphasise the importance of regular attendance for your child’s future. Talk about the benefits of attending school, such as learning new things, making friends participating in extracurricular activities.
School & Education | Parent Club
3. Monitor Attendance
Keep track of your child’s attendance and be aware of any patterns of absenteeism.
If your child is absent, make sure to understand the reasons and address any issues promptly. Communicate with the school if needed.
Is my child too ill for school? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Help if your child refuses to go to school | Parent Club
4. Build a Relationship with the School
Attend parent-teacher meetings, school events and stay informed about school policies and expectations.
Primary schools – Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)
Secondary schools – Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)
Maintain open communication with teachers and school staff. Reach out if you have concerns about your child’s attendance or academic progress.
5. Support Your Child Academically
Provide support with homework and encourage good study habits.
Set up a quiet and well-lit study area at home where your child can focus on schoolwork.
Wider Achievement in a Nutshell
6. Address Health Issues
Ensure your child has regular health check-ups and is up to date with vaccinations.
Pay attention to your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Seek professional help if you notice signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
Mental Health & Wellbeing | Parent Club
7. Encourage Social Connections
Encourage your child to build and maintain friendships with classmates.
Involve your child in extracurricular activities that interest them and help them feel connected to the school community.
Activities & Play | Parent Club
8. Set Expectations and Rewards
Set clear expectations for attendance and explain the consequences of missing school.
Use positive reinforcement to reward regular attendance, such as praise, extra privileges or small rewards.
9. Address Barriers to Attendance
Work with your child and the school to identify and address any barriers to regular attendance, such as bullying, learning difficulties or transportation issues.
Offer the necessary support and resources to help your child overcome these barriers.
10. Lead by Example
Demonstrate the importance of responsibility and punctuality by modelling these behaviours in your daily life.
Show interest in your child’s education by engaging in discussions about what they are learning and showing enthusiasm for their achievements.
