Why is regular school attendance so important for my child?
Regular attendance means your child can make the most of their education, improving their chances in adult life.

Schools can also help your child's social skills, such as making and keeping friendships. A regular and punctual attendance pattern will help your child when they enter the world of work.

Punctuality

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

The school, by law has to take a register of pupils first thing in the morning and at some point in the afternoon. The Government advises that schools can keep the register open for up to 30 minutes (although this can be set at a shorter period of time).

If a pupil is late but the register is still open, they are marked late. If a pupil arrives late and the register is closed, without a satisfactory explanation, it may be classed as an unauthorised absence, this may lead to prosecution for not ensuring regular/punctual school attendance.

But - "Better late than never"

Holidays during term time

There is no right time to have a holiday during term time, as your child is missing out on learning time. However, only in exceptional circumstances will leave be granted.

The school governing body sets out the requirements for permission to be granted for term time leave. Please contact your child's school if you wish to know more about this.

The law says that parents do not have a right to take their child out of school for holiday leave during term time.

A Parents' Guide to Good Attendance

SAM Posters can be found under 'Downloads' for use in promoting Good Attendance

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
• Make use of school planner
• Keep in touch with school staff
• Contact school on the first day if 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.  If school staff are unable to resolve the problem they may suggest you speak to an Education Welfare Officer.

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 punctually.  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 should contact you if they are concerned about your child's attendance.
• The referral will be made to an Education Welfare Officer if the attendance doesn't improve or there are complex difficulties.

What if my child's school attendance does not improve?
If you continue to fail in your responsibility you may:

• Be included in the Fast Track System which means you will be given 12 weeks to improve your child's attendance
• Receive a fixed Penalty Notice (£50) for truancy, excessive holidays in term time or poor punctuality/attendance
• Be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court and receive a Parenting Order or a fine of up to £2500 for each parent/carer

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 and school clubs allowing them to develop their interests and achieve their full potential.  Regular school attendance means that your child can make the most of their education.

How can Education Welfare help?

• Advise you on your rights and responsibilities regarding school attendance
• Visit you and your child in your home to discuss difficulties
• Liaise with school staff on your behalf
• Meet with your child in school if necessary
• Accompany you to meetings in school
• Suggest other agencies which may be able to help
• Provide information about school transfers
• Refer you to the exclusions officer if your child has been excluded
• Help with work permits and advice if your child would like a part time job
• Provide further information on the consequences of irregular school attendance