Exploring... Attendance and Punctuality
In the Border Busters Extended Service Cluster ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Why?
- Children who miss lessons don't do as well as they could - it's that simple!
But they can catch up!
- FALSE! Lots of research has shown that by missing lessons, children fall behind and lose confidence in subjects.
- Lessons missed are NOT repeated.
But they can have some extra time off for holidays or trips abroad!
- FALSE! Schools are likely to say that holidays are NOT allowed in term time.
- Children have a total of 175 days off every year for trips and holidays.
What happens if my child is out of school with headteacher's agreement?
- Your child could lose his/her place.
- Your could be taken to court or given a Penalty Notice.
And...
- Your child loses opportunities to learn and get ahead.
- He or she is likely to achieve less than their friends.
Which...
- Could make them feel left behind and left out
As a parent, you have a responsibility to:
- Make sure your child receives an education, and therefore
- Make sure your child attends school every day it is open.
Border Busters Top Tips
- Make doctor's or other appointments out of school time.
- Take an interest in your child's school work, ask them about their day and praise them when they do well.
- Tell the school when your son or daughter will be absent by calling the school on the first day of absence.
- Be aware of signs your child may not be going to school and discuss this with them.
- If you are worried or your child has problems at school contact the school to arrange a meeting.
- Help your child to catch up on any missed work as soon as possible.
- Make sure your child understands you do not approve of them missing school.
- If your child makes excuses to try to get out of going to school, take time to listen to them; there might be an underlying problem.
Did you know?...
Just 17 days absence over 1 school year can relate to a GCSE grade lost!
GIVE YOUR CHILD
THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES,
THE BEST START
GET THEM TO SCHOOL - ON TIME - EVERY DAY!
Read our Attendance Matters Leaflet
PUNCTUALITY - EVERY SECOND COUNTS!
Well, not quite but it is VERY IMPORTANT for your child to be on time for school.
Why?
- It's a great start to the day, putting your child in a positive frame of mind to make the most of the day's learning and activities.
- Punctuality is linked to good attendance, and as we know, good attenders have more opportunities, more support and therefore achieve more!
Also...
- It helps your child make friends (in the playground) which leads to improved self-confidence and therefore success.
And...
- It sets your child up for their future - whether it is college, work or university, they could lose their place or lose their job if they think it's ok to be late.
Types of Lateness
1. Late before register closes
Your child is a few minutes late - but they have missed the opportunity to say hello to and play with friends. They are likely to feel unsettled and embarrassed as they start morning lessons.
2. Late after register closes
This counts as an unauthorised absence and will show on your child's attendance record. Not only has your child missed the chance to meet with their friends before school, they are likely to have missed the start of lessons and could feel unsettled, embarrassed and much less confident than their classmates as the lesson moves on.
Border Busters Top Tips
- Get to know your child's school timetable - work together to make sure they have everything ready the night before e.g. books, cooking ingredients, PE or swimming kit, uniform!
- Get your child into the habit of doing their homework in the evening - instead of in the morning at the breakfast table.
- Make sure your child has a good bedtime routine so they get plenty of rest and don't struggle out of bed in the morning - not a bad idea for parents either!
- Invest in a good, reliable alarm clock - make setting it part of your child's bedtime routine.
- Try to ensure your child has a good breakfast to set them up for the day - many schools have breakfast clubs you could use if you need to be at work early.
- Have a back up plan for getting your child to school in case something crops up - friends or family, perhaps neighbours who are taking their children to school anyway.
- Allow lots of time for your journey.
- If you are finding it difficult to get your child to school on time, talk to a teacher and ask for help.
