For Parents

Page updated on: 08/09/2023

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.