HEALTH officials are being drafted in to help Manchester schools keep children in the classroom.

Dozens of youngsters take time out from school every day to make routine visits to the doctor or the dentist.

And instead of returning afterwards, education officials reckon youngsters often take the rest of the day off.

But now health and education officials in the council's joint children's unit aim to make sure youngsters spend as little time as possible out of school.

They plan to add a message to some appointment cards reminding youngsters and their parents about the importance of attending school before or after a routine trip to the doctor - provided they are well enough.

In the longer term, they plan to look at whether non-urgent appointments could be scheduled after school or at weekends to avoid being out of school at all.

"We want children to attend school and go on to achieve their full potential," said Alison Jackson, assistant director of children's services development for Manchester's three primary care trusts, who is part of the joint children's unit working group.

The unit brings together oficials from the city's health providers as well as representatives from the local education authority.

A spokesman for Manchester city council said: "Missing part of the school day is disruptive, not just for pupils who may find it hard to catch up, but also for teachers who have to work around these absences, so we are keen to see what can be done."

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