COUNCIL bosses are 'doorstepping' parents in a bid to get more children into Inverclyde's schools after a shock report revealed that attendance levels are now significantly lower than before the Covid pandemic.

The data has sparked concern within the education and communities committee — with the situation being described as a 'real and present issue'.

Head of education Michael Roach confirmed: "We're doorstepping and supporting families to get children into school. 

"We're also doing something different with the curriculum to make the learning experience even more enticing."

The council report reveals that the overall attendance for secondary pupils across Inverclyde currently stands at 87.98 per cent, which is 1.74 per cent less that the pre-Covid attendance.

Committee vice convener, Councillor Francesca Brennan, said that she is 'really concerned' about the data.

She told the latest meeting of the committee: "I have been reflecting on the issue a lot.

"So much excellent work is being done to get young people to come to school and I know that no stone has been left unturned. 

"If young people aren't at school, they don't get to experience initiatives, help with attainment levels, and build relationships. 

"I'm concerned about lost learning and lost experience. 

"We as a community need to play our part.

"We have to urge parents to listen to the messages, and think about the importance of attendance.

"It is a real and present issue."

Education boss Mr Roach told the meeting that attendance was a 'complex area' for the local authority, adding: "There's definitely a sense that the numbers are recovering after Covid and there's a whole range of things being done to mitigate barriers. 

The report outlines some of the perceived reasons for the drop in secondary attendance, and details some of the measures being taken to address the issue. 

It adds: "Inverclyde has been recovering from the impact of the pandemic and we are seeing increased absence rates as a result. 

"Recovery in attendance is proving a challenge locally and nationally. 

"Engaging with the Inverclyde Attendance Strategy to identify the reasons for absences, and identifying possible solutions for children, young people and families will see improvements in attendance rates overall. 

"The local authority us committed to supporting improved attendance in school. 

"There's a five-year model in place for improving attendance, created with a focus on prevention and intervention, and multi-agency support and collaboration will continue to be a key feature."

Primary school attendance rates have risen 1.4 per cent to reach 92.1 per cent in 2022/23.