ATTENDANCE
The Importance of School Attendance
The team at Barlborough Primary School are incredibly proud of our school community and we want our children to enjoy coming to school. Our attendance ‘floor target’ is 96%, something the children and I discuss every week in our celebration assembly; however, we strive for 100%.
There is a wealth of research to show that there is a high correlation between school attendance and academic performance and success. Absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and achievement, which will ultimately limit our children’s life chances.
Why is it so important to attend every day?
- Learning is a progressive activity; each day’s lessons build upon those of the previous day(s).
- Reading the material and completing work independently does not compensate for direct interaction with the teacher (and their peers).
- Many classes use discussions, demonstrations, experiments and participation as part of the daily learning activities, and these cannot be repeated for those who are absent.
- Are there other benefits to my child?
- Pupils with good attendance records generally achieve higher grades and enjoy school more.
- Having a good education will help to give your child the best possible start in life.
- Regular school attendance patterns encourage the development of other responsible patterns of behaviour.
- What are the risks of frequent absences?
- A child who does not attend school regularly will be unlikely to keep up with the work.
- The more pupils miss school, the lower their grades; the lower their grades, the less they want to stay in school.
- As a child who is frequently absent cannot draw upon prior learning, they will find lessons challenging and their self-confidence and self-esteem will suffer.
- Children who are regularly absent from school feel that they have missed out on shared experiences with their friends and they can feel isolated.
- What can parents do to help?
- Parents must model the value of education, including the importance of regular attendance.
- Make sure that your child attends school regularly and arrives on time, they will then establish a good habit that they will carry through life.
- If your child starts missing school, please contact us and we will work together to put a plan in place which quickly addresses any issues. Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of him/her missing school.
- If your child is ill or must miss school for some other reason, contact school immediately.
- If you request for home learning, make sure your child completes it daily.
- Schools cannot approve shopping trips, birthday treats or day trips during school hours. Please arrange family holidays so that your child will not miss any learning and ensure that you are aware of critical assessment periods. Y6 SATS tests are statutory and a celebration of your child’s academic success.
- Take an interest in your child’s school work and try to be involved in the school as much as possible, your child will value school if you do.
Leave of Absence in Term Time
From September 2024, a change to government legislation means that schools are no longer allowed to authorise requests for children to be taken out of school for a holiday during term time. Please see the letter below for more information about this.
PLEASE REMEMBER – Regular attendance is necessary for success in school. Please help us to ensure that your child has the best opportunity for success, and life choices, by attending every day. If you require support in order to make this happen, please contact school in the usual way and we will ensure we act quickly to resolve any issues.
