Being in School Matters

 Why attendance at school is so important:

Excellent attendance at school is important to allow a child to fulfil their potential.   Government reports show that there is a clear link between poor attendance at school and lower academic achievement. In fact, of pupils with absence over 50%, only 3% manage to achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C including maths and English.

Why attendance is important 

To learn

To achieve

To gain qualifications

To develop new skills

To build self-confidence and self esteem

To have fun

To make new friends

To experience new things 

To have the best possible start in life

Miss school - miss out!

Young people who regularly miss school are more likely to become isolated from their friends, underachieve and become involved in anti-social behaviour.

How parents can help

Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so that your child is prepared for the school day ahead

Ensure your child arrives at school on time. Being late is very unsettling for your child and means they miss a crucial part of the school day

Arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours when possible

Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness and follow it up with a written note when your child returns to school, including medical evidence

Take family holidays outside of term time

Talk to your child about school and engage with homework and topics covered

Attend parents’ evenings and school events - this shows your child how much you value their education

Praise and reward your child for their achievements in school

Discuss any problems or difficulties with the school - staff are there to help and will be supportive

Recognise that we are working in partnership for the good of your child (see home school agreement) 

Do not be afraid to ask for help if a problem arises.


Family Holidays

You can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education by not taking holidays during term time. Any child who is absent from school will miss out on important learning and will fall behind in their school work.

In each academic year there are only 190 statutory school days - this allows for plenty of time for holidays to be arranged outside of term time across the remaining 175 days.

Holidays taken during term time will be categorised as an unauthorised absence and may result in a fine.


Every single day a child is absent from school equates to a day of lost learning.

Education is not an option - it is compulsory.


Comments