For Parents
Page updated on: 23/02/2024
Parents have an important role to play in helping their children to develop healthy attendance patterns.
- Set regular bedtime and morning routines.
- Schedule medical and dental appointments after school or during holidays.
- Avoid taking holidays during term time.
- Send children to school every day unless they are sick.
- Make sure you’re on time.
What does good attendance really mean?
It can be difficult to understand but this table illustrates how low attendance impacts on your child’s learning.
|
100% Attendance 95% Attendance |
0 days missed 9 days’ absence or 1 week and 4 days of missed learning |
Gives your child the best start in life |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Attendance | 19 days’ absence or 3 weeks and 4 days of missed learning | Makes it harder to learn and progress to your child’s full ability |
| 85% Attendance | 29 days’ absence or 5 weeks and 4 days of missed learning Almost one half term missed |
Will impact on your child’s progress |
|
80% Attendance 75% Attendance |
38 days’ absence or 7 weeks and 3 days of missed learning 48 days’ absence or 9 weeks and 6 days of missed learning. |
Seriously affects your child’s learning and development |
If your child has 90% attendance they will miss the equivalent of:
- ½ day per week.
- 19 days a year
- 247 days over the 13 statutory years of education or 1 year and 10 weeks
Young people who regularly miss school are more likely to under achieve in examinations, become isolated from their friends and become involved in anti-social behaviour.
