Breaking Down Barriers to Attendance

At Charters School, we understand that attending school regularly is not always easy for everyone. There are a range of reasons why students may struggle with attendance, and we want to ensure that our students, parents, and carers know we’re here to help overcome those barriers together.

Whether it’s mental health challenges, transport issues, or the responsibility of being a young carer, we know that these obstacles can feel overwhelming. But the good news is that solutions are available, and the first step towards overcoming any difficulty is simply starting the conversation.

One of the most significant barriers to school attendance is poor mental health. For many young people, anxiety and stress can become so all-consuming that leaving the house, let alone going to school, may feel like an impossible task. If your child is feeling this way, it's important to know they are not alone, and help is always available.

Encouraging students to talk about their worries is a crucial first step. Whether it’s speaking to their Tutor, Head of Year, a friend, or a trusted staff member, sharing these feelings can help to relieve the pressure. For those who find it too difficult to speak face-to-face, we’ve created an alternative option – our worried@chartersschool.org.uk email address is there for students to reach out in a way that feels more comfortable for them.

We understand that when a child struggles with school attendance, it can be just as challenging for parents and carers. Supporting your child through emotionally based school avoidance requires understanding and patience.  Parents and carers wanting support on this topic can sign up for a free session HERE.  It takes place on 5th March between 7-9pm via zoom.   As a parent, knowing why your child may be struggling and how to help them can make all the difference.

Sometimes, the barriers students face may not be related to mental health but to practical concerns such as caring for someone or transportation difficulties. If this is the case, we encourage students to reach out and talk to us. The Unity Fund may be able to provide financial assistance to ease the burden of such challenges. Remember, no problem is too big to share – often, simply talking about it can help lighten the load.

At Charters School, we are committed to creating a culture of support, where students, parents, and carers feel empowered to come forward and ask for advice. There is no room for blame, only understanding and collaboration. We are all working towards the same goal – ensuring that students enjoy coming to school and giving themselves the best possible opportunities for their future.

Attendance is vital to academic success and personal growth, and we want every student to experience the positive impact that being in school regularly can have on their lives. Together, we can help our students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

Remember: "A problem shared is a problem halved." So let’s talk. Together, we can break down the barriers and build a brighter future for all our young people.