The link between attendance and attainment is clear: just 40% of persistently absent children achieve expected standards in Key Stage 2, compared with 84% of pupils who were regular attenders. But attendance is important for more than just attainment: regular school attendance can help positive peer relationships and this in turn helps mental health and wellbeing.
If your child has to miss school, please tell us as soon as possible on the first day of absence. This is so we know your child is safe. Leave of absence will be given for attendance at medical or dental appointments or for examinations in music, dance etc. However, where possible such appointments should be made outside of school hours.
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they’re unwell. This NHS guidance might help:
Check out these links, too:
- NHS website: Is my child too ill for school?
- Healthier Together guidance: Should my child go to school/nursery today?
Healthier Together have also put together this handy poster with links about different common illnesses.
