Over the last few years there have been many discussions nationally about children attending school and the impact absence has on the child’s development and academic achievements. Some of this information is confusing and some parents never quite know what the impact of their child’s absence has on their attainment (what grades they get) and progress. This information has therefore been provided to support all parents in making the right choices about school attendance.
Facts about Attendance
95% attendance during 1 school year = ½ day missed every week!
90% attendance during 1 school year = 1 day missed every other week!
90% attendance during1 school year = 4 whole weeks of lessons missed!
90% attendance over 5 years of school = ½ a school year missed!
Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = GCSE grade DROP in achievement. (DFE)
So what happens if your child is ill?
If your child is ill, you have a responsibility to inform the school of their illness by 8:30am each day for every day of illness. For those parents who do not contact the school, a text is sent from the Attendance team asking of the child’s whereabouts. If no response is gained, the parent will receive a phone call from our Learning Mentor, Mrs Shiel. If there has been no response, staff will make a home visit to the child that day. A child’s welfare is paramount and everybody needs to know they are safe. If at any point we have concerns regarding a child’s safety then an immediate referral is made to Children's Social Care or the Police.
A child should not return to school until they are fit and well.
What happens if your child’s attendance falls below a certain percentage?
If your child’s attendance falls below 95% our Attendance Team will monitor their attendance within school. The Attendance Team monitor and track attendance termly throughout the year. If you require any support with your child’s attendance please contact out Learning Mentor Mrs Shiel who will be happy to offer her support.
If your child’s attendance falls below 90% you will be contacted to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Persistent Absence.
Any child whose attendance falls below 90% is regarded nationally as a child who has Persistent Absence. The government is very concerned with this and has invested heavily to monitor the attendance of these children. Schools have targets to reduce the levels of persistent absence and we work closely with families to support them in getting their child to school each day. Each child and family will be given targets for attendance and these will be closely monitored by a range of agencies outside of school.
Leave of Absence during Term Time
Following changes to the Pupil Registration Regulation in September 2013 Headteachers will only grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. It is for school to decide what constitutes ‘exceptional circumstances’ and apply this consistently
All applications for leave of absence must be made in advance by the parent(s), carer(s) or corporate parent that the pupil normally resides with and Children’s Services have provided schools with a standard ‘Leave of Absence Request Form’
No holidays will be authorised during term time. Please note that any absence during the Y6 SATS period should be avoided. Missing school in the first few weeks in September can also be very unsettling to the child and delays the settling in process for the new year.
Exceptional Circumstances are still classified as absences and will still count towards your child’s attendance figure.
Lateness
If your child is late to school, a parent or carer must sign them in at the school office using the new inventory system and a reason for your child’s lateness. If a reason is not provided or if your child arrives after the register has closed an unauthorised absent mark will be given.
Dentist Appointment
Unless your child is receiving extensive dental treatment, all dentist appointments should be made out of the school day. Dentist appointments during the school day will not be authorised.
Attend and Achieve!
If a school can improve attendance by 1%, they will see a 5-6% improvement in attainment. (DFE)
Please help us and your child by ensuring their attendance remains above 95%, allowing them to achieve their potential.