§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures the Government are taking to ensure that children of school age attend school regularly. [56711]
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§ Mrs. LiddellNon-attendance is a significant problem in our schools, and one which the Government take very seriously. All schools and education authorities are setting detailed targets to reduce non-attendance.
Often the most successful strategies for reducing non-attendance are those which schools themselves develop, with the support of parents. To share good practice, the Government funded Scottish Initiative on Attendance and Absence published a good practice document "Close to the Mark" last December. The Ethos Network, also funded by the Government, continues to highlight examples of good practice.