A new initiative has been launched in North Lanarkshire, aiming to elevate school attendance among families. The campaign, titled ‘Every Moment Matters’, seeks to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance while offering support to both parents and students. It addresses the challenges many families face, particularly in light of the lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The campaign highlights the numerous benefits of attending school, such as developing teamwork skills, gaining life experiences, and celebrating achievements. It shares the voices of students, who express what they miss when they are not present in the classroom.
Councillor Michael McBride, convener of education, children, and families, stated, “Our schools are working closely with families to offer tailored support around school attendance and to put in place small steps that can make a big difference over time.” He mentioned the role of Family Engagement Support Assistants (FESAs) in facilitating this process.
FESAs have been instrumental in helping families overcome barriers to consistent school attendance. Through their efforts, communication between families and schools has improved, fostering children’s confidence and leading to higher attendance rates. Regular attendance not only allows students to build friendships but also opens avenues for extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs, enhancing their sense of belonging.
Support Strategies for Families
Recognizing that ensuring children attend school can be challenging, the campaign offers practical solutions. Schools are implementing initiatives such as breakfast clubs and “Future Fridays,” designed to ease morning routines and promote positive habits.
Parents are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling non-urgent appointments outside school hours, maintaining open lines of communication with teachers, and promptly reporting any absences. Discussing concerns with school staff can significantly impact a child’s experience and attendance.
For children who may feel anxious about attending school, the message is clear: staying home can make reintegration more difficult. Families are urged to reach out to school personnel as a first step. Trained staff are available to listen and provide tailored support, helping students feel safe and confident in their educational environment.
Available Resources and Community Collaboration
A variety of resources are accessible through organizations such as Parent Club, ParentLine Scotland, and Enquire. These organizations offer guidance on overcoming barriers like anxiety and bullying, in addition to informing families about educational rights and responsibilities.
The core message of the campaign revolves around collaboration. It stresses the need for parents, schools, and communities to work together to ensure every child feels supported and valued.
To further promote the initiative, toolkits will be distributed to all high schools in North Lanarkshire. These kits will include posters for school display, informative leaflets for parents, social media assets, and additional materials to facilitate awareness of the campaign.
The ‘Every Moment Matters’ campaign represents a concerted effort to enhance school attendance and support families in North Lanarkshire, ultimately fostering a positive educational environment for all students.
