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New strategy for school attendance puts support for families first

Published
Families across Gloucestershire are being reassured that support – not punishment – is at the heart of a new approach to improving school attendance.

Gloucestershire County Council, alongside schools, health services and other partners, has launched a new Multi-Agency School Attendance Strategy (2026–2029). The strategy sets out how organisations will work more closely together to help children attend school regularly and thrive. 

The approach recognises that there are many reasons why children may struggle to attend school, including anxiety, health needs and challenges outside of school. 

Rather than focusing on enforcement, the strategy prioritises early help, strong relationships and practical support for families. 

Every school in Gloucestershire has a dedicated attendance champion who can work with families to understand any barriers and find solutions together. 

Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, feel safe and succeed at school. We know that for some families, getting their child into school every day can be challenging, and there is not always a simple solution.” 

“That’s why this new strategy focuses on support first. We want families to feel confident coming forward and asking for help, knowing they will be listened to and supported, not judged. By working with schools, health services and other partners, we can make sure every child has the best chance to attend, achieve and thrive." 

The strategy highlights that regular school attendance is not only vital for learning, but also a key part of keeping children safe and supporting their wellbeing. Children who miss school regularly are at greater risk of harm and can miss out on important opportunities that shape their future.  

While legal powers remain in place where needed, including fines, the new approach makes clear that these are a last resort. The focus is on identifying challenges early and putting the right support in place before problems escalate. 

Families are encouraged to speak to their child’s school as soon as attendance becomes a concern. 

Support might include: 

  • Help establishing morning routines 

  • Emotional support for children 

  • Working with families to understand underlying issues 

  • Connecting families to wider services such as health or early help teams 

For more information about the strategy and available support and guidance, visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/improving-attendance