Attendance Matters

The Department for Education (DfE) is working with schools and local authorities to improve attendance levels nationally. The DfE wants schools and families to work together to ensure children are in school whenever possible (understanding that in certain cases there are genuine medical reasons for a child not attending school).

Working Together to Improve Attendance (DfE)

Why is good school attendance important?

Regular and punctual school attendance is essential in supporting children to flourish and fulfil their potential. It enables them to:

• Learn.
• Make and manage friendships.
• Develop new skills.
• Have fun.
• Experience new things in the world around them.
• Develop awareness and respect of other cultures, religions, ethnicity and gender differences.
• Build confidence and self-esteem.
• Achieve and thrive with a sense of belonging to their school community.
• Prioritise their well-being and happiness.
• Be given the best start in life, enabling the best possible choices for their future.

How you can help your child to have excellent attendance

• Always inform the school if your child is absent.
• Talk openly to your child about school and work in partnership with the school to best support them.
• Encourage your child to attend regularly and share any concerns with the school.
• Arrange medical or dental appointments outside of school hours when possible.
• Establish good morning and bedtime routines.
• Support your child to arrive at school on time.
• Take truancy seriously and consider: Where they are? Who they are with? What they are doing?
• Where possible attend learning reviews and school events.
• Value and acknowledge achievements in school.
• Take family holidays and visit family outside of term time.

For more information about the school's approach to helping children achieve good attendance, see our Attendance & Punctuality Policy