Why is regular school attendance so important for my child?

Regular attendance at school means that your child can make the most of their education and improve their chances in adult life. 

School can also help your child's social skills such as making and developing friendships. A regular and punctual attendance pattern will help your child when they go tp secondary school and later enter the world of work. 

The link between attendance and attainment in school is clear. The more a pupil is in school the more they increase their opportunity to fulfil their potential.   

Punctuality

Schools are legally required to take a register of pupils first thing in the morning and at some point in the afternoon. 

If a pupil is late but the register is still open they are marked as late. If the register is closed when a pupil arrives late and without a satisfactory explanation, it will be classed as late after the register has closed which will count as an absence. 

Continual punctuality is important because if, for example, a child arrives 15 minutes late on each school day, they lose almost 2 weeks education a year! Absence due to lateness (after the register has closed) will be referred to the Education Welfare Officer. 

How can I help my child attend school regularly?

• Talk to your child about school
• Take a positive interest in your child's work, including homework. 
• Use the apps and sites we have available to help your 
• Keep in touch with school staff
• Contact school on the first day of absence if your child is unable to attend for whatever reason
• Attend parents' evening and other school events 

What should I do if I'm worried about my child's school attendance? 

The first thing to do is contact the school to discuss your concerns. 

What are my responsibilities regarding my child's school attendance?

As a parent/carer it is your responsibility to ensure that any child of compulsory school age attends school both regularly and on time. The local authority has a duty to make sure that all parents/carers fulfil this responsibility. 

What will happen if my child does not attend school regularly? 

The school will contact you in the first instance to raise concerns about your child's attendance. If we see no improvement, or there are particular difficulties involved, a referral will be made to the Education Welfare Service. 

What if my child's school attendance does no improve?   

Parent whose children are on a school register and fail to ensure the regular and punctual attendance of their child(ren), may be guilty of an offence under Section 444 or 444 (1A) of the Education Act 1996 and the Local Authority may issue a Penalty Notice or take enforcement action through the Courts to secure regular attendance. 

How will regular school attendance help my child?

School gives your child a wide range of opportunities and experiences in the form of academic lessons, educational trips and school clubs allowing them to develop their interests and achieve their full potential. Regular school attendance means that your child can make most of their education.