Parents are being urged to help combat truancy in the district by talking to their children about any fears and worries they have about starting a new school.

Staff from Bradford Council's Education Social Work Service already work closely with schools and parents to combat absenteeism and improve attendance records.

But as the new term starts they want to focus attention on children who are about to start a new school and who may be worried about moving to a new environment, bullying, or coping with extra schoolwork.

Gabrielle Hall and Jane Butler, principal education social workers, say now is the time for parents to talk to their children and are providing an opportunity to contact them to discuss their concerns.

"Starting or changing to a new or bigger school can be difficult and frightening for some children and a time when they may need extra support and help to make sure they have no reason to miss days.

"It is important that parents, who are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school, work with us and do not condone children missing lessons. Even odd days missed can stop a child from doing their best," they said.

Parents or children who have previously had attendance problems should contact their new school to talk over any concerns.

Once children start new schools parents are being encouraged to make sure they attend and check if they suspect truancy or any specific behavioural difficulties.

Any parent who wants to discuss any attendance concerns can contact staff at the Education Social Work Service on Bradford 751240, 548086, 751800 or Keighley 662653.

The stay away children

Last year's schools league tables showed Bradford district as a whole was second only to Hull in having the worst truancy rate in the country.

The district had eight schools in England's bottom 100 for attendance.

And truants at Eccleshill Upper School skipped more lessons than anywhere else in the country with 14.40 per cent of possible half days missed. The next highest rate was Carlton Bolling College with 8.9 per cent.

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