School absence problem 'needs to be reversed'

A “POST-COVID effect” needs to be reversed to improve attendance at Stockton’s schools, councillors have been told.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

Stockton Council bosses say they want to improve school attendance, have fewer children suspended or excluded from school and see them thrive in education, training and into jobs. The authority's people select committee is carrying out a review of early care.

Mandie Rowlands, service lead for school support and wellbeing, said advisors went into school to offer support and early help to families. She said they wanted advisors to be “on hand” to speak to, though it was not a “blue light service”.

She said: “We've got 73 schools in Stockton, five advisors. It's quite a stretch. That's why we need to target those ones with the highest level of need now.