Inside Salisbury: What to do if your child is struggling at school

Wiltshire Council provides support for parents and children with school attendance struggles

By Annette J Beveridge

THERE are many reasons why children can be reluctant to return to school after a holiday. While this usually passes within a few days, some children will have deeper levels of anxiety.

The longer a child is away from school, the greater the impact on their friendships with others, their sense of belonging and academic achievement. Parents and carers can also feel isolated in their difficulties.

Wiltshire Council is keen to work with parents and carers to support children and young people who are struggling to attend school and is offering support and advice to help them get back into a routine.

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Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Laura Mayes, said: “It’s important families know there is support out there and not to struggle alone. We are here to support your child and to help them attend school where possible. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and growth that comes from being in a supportive school environment.

“We appreciate that this is not always a ‘quick fix’ and we’re committed to adopting a multi-agency approach to support families and schools.”

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If a child is struggling parents and carers can:

• Speak to the school so that they are aware of what is happening. They may be able to offer additional support or adjustments.

• Contact Wiltshire Education Welfare and ask to speak to one of their advisors for guidance and support. If a child has not been attending school for a period of time the service can work with the parent and child and plan a way forward.

• Seek support. The Family and Community Learning Team (FACL) run courses to support eligible parent/carers to understand school related anxiety and attendance issues: https://workwiltshire.co.uk/event/usa-30-1-24/.

There is multi-agency support available for schools in problem solving and signposting. Oxford Health deliver Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs)is in a number of schools in Wiltshire.

MHSTs deliver brief evidence-based treatment in schools to children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. It is expanding with two new teams beginning training to become qualified Educational Mental Health Practitioners this month.