Advice as children prepare to return to school

Parents urged to make the 'strongest possible start' to the new term

Author: Jo RawlingsPublished 30th Aug 2023

A reminder has been issued to parents here in the south as children prepare to return to school.

Hampshire County Council is calling on families to make the strongest possible start to the new term.

Council bosses have issued tips to support regular attendance:

  • create good routines for mornings at home so that your child can arrive punctually and they are properly equipped; this will also mean your mornings can start calmly too
  • make time to encourage and show interest. Chat to them about the things they have learnt, what friends they have made and even what they had for lunch! Remember children can be tired when coming out of school, so a short chat over a snack or later that evening may produce a better result than a long list of questions
  • read all school communications. A home/school diary can help with communication only when all parties use it as intended
  • attend school open evenings and functions
  • check your child understands the homework and that it has been completed. Support them in completing homework by creating a calm space for them to work in and set specific times during the week when homework should be done
  • avoid absence from school wherever possible – try to make doctors and dental appointments out of school hours. Absence means your child will miss out on the academic studies and will also learn that education is not the main priority within the family. This can have a lifelong effect

Fines can be handed out for periods of unauthorised absence.

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