Hampshire County Council is urging parents to prioritise school attendance for the upcoming 2024/25 academic year.

The appeal follows statistics showing a decrease in school attendance in the Hampshire area, and across the nation, since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The latest figures demonstrate that 93.4 per cent of all possible sessions were attended by Hampshire students last academic year, compared to 95.5 per cent in the last full school year before Covid-19 hit in 2018/19.

However, it's not all bad news, as Hampshire's attendance rate was higher than the national average of 92.8 per cent.

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Education experts advise that daily school attendance, except when sick, is best for children’s future prospects.

It also promotes good mental and physical health.

Cllr Steve Forster, the county council’s cabinet member for education, has said: "It’s positive to see that school attendance has been improving in Hampshire, and I want to thank our families and school staff for their hard work in helping us to move things in the right direction."

He added: "A concerted effort across both school and home will give children the strongest possible chances to thrive in school both emotionally and academically.

"This will be especially important in the first few days back at school, which we know are crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the year."

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Well-attended children develop crucial social skills and show higher academic attainment.

Research shows that 90 per cent of young people with attendance rates under 85 per cent do not get five good GCSE grades, with a third achieving no GCSEs.

Parents and carers can help boost school attendance in various ways, such as encouraging children to discuss their school experiences, being involved in school functions and keeping an eye on any difficulties the child might be facing with homework.

It's key to avoid unnecessary absences and ensure the child is well-rested and prepared for the day at school.

Cllr Forster added: "We know that in some circumstances, for example for medical reasons or for a small number of children with particular special educational needs, daily school attendance isn’t always possible."

He encouraged parents in such situations to reach out to schools as soon as possible for support.

You can find advice and guidance on the council's website.