School attendance

Every school day matters

Pupil wearing an orange eye mask on the top of his head and an orange cape. School: it's a superpower.

Did you know that a pupil with an average of 90% attendance from P1 onwards could miss the equivalent of an entire school year by the time they reach S3?

We want to make sure that no child misses out on the opportunities we can offer them.

That is why we have launched a campaign to reinforce the message that every school day matters.

What might seem to be just a few days of absence a year can quickly add up, and that cumulative effect makes a difference.
Coming to school is about so much more than books and numbers.
School helps to nurture and support social skills, friendships, support networks, and the ability to learn, change and adapt.
Every pupil can find their superpower in the classroom, art studio, music hall, playground, science lab and playing field.
Our campaign highlights this and provides practical, up-to-date support, advice and guidance for parents and carers.
Being in school is the foundation upon which happy, successful and resilient young people are built.

Promoting school contact

Maintaining good communication with your child’s school is an important part of supporting their attendance.

If your child is going to be absent for any reason, contact the school directly as soon as possible.
Speaking with the school gives you the chance to explain the reason for the absence, ask any questions, and receive guidance if needed.

It also allows the school to record the absence accurately using the correct SEEMiS code, so your child’s attendance record is kept up to date and reflects the right information.

Health and wellbeing

Looking after health and wellbeing plays a big part in helping young people feel ready and able to attend school.

The websites and apps in this section offer practical support and trusted information to help manage stress, build confidence and stay motivated.

For local mental health and wellbeing information and support, visit:

Wellbeing South Lan

Emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA)

Supporting a child who is anxious about school can feel overwhelming, and many parents tell us they often feel alone in trying to navigate it.

Our EBSNA resources provide clear, practical guidance to help you understand what’s going on and how to support your child step by step. For a parent guide, visit:

EBSNA Parent Survival Guide

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Staying on at school after the age of 16 can open up valuable opportunities for young people, helping them build confidence, gain qualifications and prepare for their next steps.

Your child may be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), which provides financial support to help them continue their education. It’s worth checking whether they qualify. Find out more about EMA: