Hampshire County Council is urging parents and carers to prioritise regular school attendance as the new academic year begins.

Despite a gradual improvement, attendance rates in Hampshire remain below pre-Covid levels.

The latest figures show that 93.4 per cent of all possible school sessions were attended by Hampshire pupils in the 2023/24 school year, compared to 95.5 per cent in 2018/19.

However, Hampshire's attendance rate remains above the national average of 92.8 per cent.

Councillor Steve Forster, the county council's cabinet member for education, said: "It’s positive to see that school attendance has been improving in Hampshire, and I want to thank our families and school staff for their hard work in helping us to move things in the right direction.

"However, we still have further to go to get back to where we were before the Covid-19 pandemic."

Regular school attendance is crucial for children's education, and mental and physical health.

It also plays a significant role in their social skill development and independence.

Research indicates a clear link between regular attendance and academic attainment.

Mr Forster said: "We know that in some circumstances, for example for medical reasons or for a small number of children with particular special educational needs, daily school attendance isn’t always possible.

"Early intervention is key in these situations: we urge any families facing issues with attendance to speak to their child’s school at the earliest opportunity to discuss the support available and to give the best possible chance of resolving challenges before they escalate."

Parents and carers, children, and school staff all play a part in maintaining regular attendance.

Staying connected with schools can help identify potential difficulties and understand the support available.

The county council's website provides advice and guidance on school attendance, including parental responsibilities, how schools record attendance, and what to do if a child is unwell or expected to be away from school for a long period.

Mr Forster said: "A concerted effort across both school and home will give children the strongest possible chances to thrive in school, both emotionally and academically."