A NEW strategy has been set out to help children attend school, emphasising support, not punishment.

Gloucestershire County Council, alongside schools, health services and other partners, has launched a new Multi-Agency School Attendance Strategy which sets out that organisations will work more closely together to help children attend school regularly.

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

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."

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

Every school in the county has a dedicated attendance champion who can work with families and find solutions together.

The strategy highlights regular school attendance is both vital for learning and a key part of keeping children safe and supporting their wellbeing.

While legal powers remain in place, including fines, the council said 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.

For more information about the strategy and available support, you can visit the Gloucestershire County Council website.