06 Feb 09

Parents and carers know children only get one chance at school, therefore absence and lateness can have a long term effect on their future. The NHLC is taking an active role in addressing the issues of school attendance and punctuality led by the Collaborative Attendance Group, who are currently developing a guidance document for parents and carers on the importance of attendance and punctuality.

Here are a few hints and tips regarding school attendance and punctuality: -

Does my child need to be off school?

School are judged by Ofsted on their school attendance and a school can not be judged to be Outstanding if attendance is below 95%, no matter how good the quality of their teaching. 95% attendance means that a child has mussed some 19 sessions at school (equivilent to 8.5 days). 90% attendance means that a child has missed some 36 sessions at school (17 days). Finally research shows that pupils whose attendance and punctuality are good achieve well at school.

So remember...

If you want a few extra minutes in bed each morning, get things ready the night before. When making appointments try not to distrupt your child's school day too much. As a parent/guardian you are legally responsible for ensuring your child attends school.

And finally...

Keep your child safe! If you know your child is going to be off school telephone the school immediately so that they know where they are.