For Parents
Page updated on: 27/08/2024
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to send your child into school if they are feeling unwell or mildly anxious, but finding solutions is a team effort between schools, parents and children, and there is support and information available to help you make the best decision for your child.
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.
If your child is struggling to attend school, make contact with your school, they are there to support each and every pupil. Your child can also seek support from a trusted adult in their school.
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.
