Attendance and exclusion

In 2006-2007, the attendance rates for looked after children and young people were 87.4%, compared to 93.3% in the non-looked-after population.

The Scottish Government wants all children and young people to be able to make the most of the educational opportunities available to them. The Scottish Government will work in partnership with local government towards a number of agreed outcomes. This includes that our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed and that all our children and young people will become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Regular attendance at school is key to this.  

For some children and young people, life presents particular challenges which can distract from learning. They may not be motivated by learning opportunities or there may be other barriers entirely beyond their control which prevent them from fully engaging with education. Non-attendance at school may be an indicator of issues or difficulties a child or young person is experiencing. The impact of non-attendance at school and non-engagement with learning significantly increases the likelihood of young people leaving school and not going on to further education, employment or training.

To support authorities and schools in dealing with this challenge the Scottish Government has developed and published new guidance 'Included, Engaged and Involved - Part 1: Attendance in Scottish Schools'. 

The guidance promotes good attendance at school. It draws together advice on good practice and establishes requirements regarding classifying and recording attendance and absence. However, it also seeks to explore and address wider issues around the promotion and management of good attendance and the prevention and reduction of absence. The guidance also seeks to make stronger links between absence and the protection of children.