PLANS are being drawn up to try to increase the attendance of children under five at schools in Darlington.

The number of key stage one children under five who are not attending school is lower than the national average and a group has been set up to tackle the problem.

By law, school attendance is compulsory for children over five. However, while it is encouraged for youngsters under that age, school attendance cannot be enforced.

At primary and secondary level, Darlington is comparable with regional neighbouring authorities and the national average.

However, this is not the case for key stage one youngsters.

A report submitted to Darlington Borough Council's children and young people scrutiny group states that, while attendance at this level is improving, "it is still low".

The scrutiny group has set up a review body to investigate the problem. Its report is to be presented to the committee at its meeting next week.

A council spokeswoman said: "The law states that children do not reach statutory school age until the term after their fifth birthday.

"In Darlington, like many other authorities, we have a 'Rising 5s' admissions policy, which means children can start school before their fifth birthday.

"Our scrutiny committee is encouraging parents to benefit as quickly as possible from early learning experiences.

"However, this has to be balanced against parents' needs for high-quality child care and, of course, the emotional and developmental needs of the children themselves.

"The report should determine the reasons why the attendance of children under five is lower than that of other children in key stage one and provide guidance to how we help encourage improved attendance in the future " Suggestions for increasing attendance include wider family liaison and school policies to contact families if a child is not in school.

Members also discussed the impact of traveller families on attendance levels and also the proportion of settled travellers who do not attend.

It was proposed to invite the Traveller Education Service to the review group's next meeting - on Monday - and look at neighbouring authorities for examples of good practice.