Families of incoming P1s will receive information over the coming days as they prepare their children for starting school in August.

‘Every School Day Matters’ comes in support of a Scottish Government commitment to improve attendance across all sectors, with a target to boost attainment, outcomes, and prospects for all.

Featuring pupils from South Lanarkshire schools, the campaign is built around the message that being in the classroom can help every child harness their superpower.

Councillor Gavin Keatt, Depute Chair of the council’s Education Resources Committee, helped to launch the campaign earlier this week.

He said: “From our research, we know that a young person who misses even a few weeks of school each year, from P1 through to S3, loses an entire year of education. That is why we are so keen to share the message that every school day really does matter.

“We are acutely aware that every child and family is different, facing their own challenges and obstacles. Indeed, significant work is done every day to support families for whom, for various reasons, attending school can be a challenge.

“However, our campaign seeks to raise awareness more widely of just how important attendance is for all children. The ‘odd day off’ can disrupt learning, friendships, support networks, resilience, and life skills more than you might think.

“That is why getting this message to our new P1s and their families at this crucial time is hugely important.”

For more information on the campaign, as well as support with issues related to school attendance, please visit our website.