SCHOOLS across Kidderminster are to work together towards “the goal of 100 per cent attendance of all children”.

A pyramid of schools in the town - Foley Park Community Primary, Baxter College, Birchen Coppice, Franche Community Primary, Sutton Park Community Primary and St John's CE Primary – are all taking part in the push to remind pupils and their parents of the importance of high attendance.

Starting on Monday, January 4, the two-week initiative aims to build on the current attendance levels which are achieved throughout the county's schools.

It will show the commitment of the local cluster of schools and their unified approach to promote the importance of regular and punctual school attendance to ensure better outcomes and life chances for all children.

Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We currently record strong attendance figures in Worcestershire which are consistently better than the national averages but further initiatives which seeks to improve this is welcomed.

“High attendance is very important. Even a short time of absence from school can mean that a child misses out on a significant part of the curriculum, which can impact on their learning."

Kathryn Sugars, headteacher at Foley Park Primary, said: "As a pyramid of schools we are committed to improving the attendance of all of our children.

“The first pyramid attendance leaflet, which outlines the importance of attending school regularly, has been launched and sent home to all families and to support the launch each school will be holding an attendance focus week where the children will be encouraged to attend school every day.

"We are working collectively towards the goal of 100 per cent attendance of all children."