Truancy: a parents guide

Evidence shows that pupils who attend school regularly achieve good GCSE grades. Not surprisingly, those who frequently miss school fall behind in their work and do less well in examinations, with poor grades at the best or no certificates at all, which is a barrier to their future prospects.

Worse still, young people who are often absent from school are more likely to become involved in, or a victim of, crime and antisocial behaviour.

Good school attendance shows potential employers that a young person is reliable, more likely to achieve well and more likely to take part in healthy, enjoyable activities in the community.

School attendance is a growing concern in Manchester this is something we are determined to change. Research has found that pupils who miss just 17 sessions or 81/2 days in a year will drop a grade in their exams, which in turn could affect their future life chances.

Too many pupils are considered to be 'persistently absent' with less than 80 per cent attendance, which means they have been absent for 76 sessions or 38 days. There are also many pupils whose attendance is below 90 per cent, which adds up to four weeks off school over a year. These levels of attendance are unacceptable as all children should aim for 100 percent attendance.