The Importance of School Attendance
Research shows that good school attendance impacts upon children’s success in learning. Good attendance helps children to achieve good results, helps them to fulfil their potential and gives them a chance of a better future.
A consistent approach to education contributes to success in lifelong learning and in future jobs. Being in school helps to develop positive social skills in your child which in turn helps them to keep and make friends. Each day fills them with fantastic learning opportunities which will enrich and fulfil their lives.
Children who do not attend school fall behind. They miss key information and concepts as well as struggle with accessing the leaning tasks. They often feel left out, find it hard to keep and make friends, feel insecure and lack confidence. Their overall attitude to learning can be inhibited, social communication difficulties may develop and their overall health and well being affected. They can find it harder to get and secure a job can lack overall life ambition.
Responsibility of Parents & Carers
Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 places a duty on parents to ensure that their child of compulsory school age receives a suitable education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
A child is of compulsory school age the first term after their 5th birthday. Therefore:
Children who turn 5 between 1st January and 31st March will be of compulsory school age at the beginning of the school term after 1st April.
Children who turn 5 between 1st April and 31st August will be of compulsory school age at the beginning of the school term after 1st September.
Children who turn 5 between 1st September and 31st December will be of compulsory school age at the beginning of the school term after 1st January.
A child remains of compulsory school age until they turn 18.
What should I do if my child cannot attend school?
The following gives you clear instructions on what to do if your child is unable to come to school on a given day. Please take time to read this information carefully.
You will need to contact the school via the School's Gateway app (click here for instructions on how to download the app), preferably before 9am on the first day of absence. Your message will need to state your child’s name, class and the reason why they cannot attend. If they are ill, please give a clear explanation of their conditions.
Important: You will be required to observe and carry out the attendance criteria which can be found below.
Attendance Criteria
Illness
Medical
Exceptional Leave
Further Information
Please refer to our Attendance Policy
For Hillingdon Information regarding Attendance and Punctuality click on this link.
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/13380/Education-welfare-service
For Government Information regarding Attendance and Punctuality click on this link.