Attendance
Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters Parent/Carer Guide
Please CLICK HERE for our Attendance Matters Guide that explains all our attendance procedures and FAQ
Why is attendance so important?
• Students feel happier in school and anxieties reduce;
• Students feel like they have more belonging and connection to the school;
• Students make better progress, both socially and academically;
• Students are more successful in transferring into employment;
• Students find school routines easier to cope with;
• Students find it easier to make friendships;
• Statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence;
Absence due to illness
Illness is unavoidable and we are often asked by parents/carers about whether a child can come to school especially following the diagnosis of an illness. The advice from the Public Health Agency is as follows (click to enlarge)
In cases of Diorhea & Vomiting where it is a one-off occurrence and you feel your child is well enough to return the following day then we are happy for them to return at your discretion.
Absence has a detrimental effect on learning and achievement
So what can be done to improve attendance?
There are many ways we can encourage our children to improve their attendance.
- Find out about your child’s absence regularly and check if this matches your own records.
- Talk regularly with your child about school and how they feel about it. They are more likely to attend school if they feel supported and their anxieties are listened to.
- Only grant days at home for genuine illnesses.
- Avoid taking holidays in term time. Know the routines of the school days to avoid issues e.g. Have they brought in their PE kit?
- If you have concerns—phone the school.
- Praise and reward good attendance at school.