Attendance
What we say
Encouraging regular school attendance for your child is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success – both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child achieve better grades, develop healthy life habits and have more options for future life goals!
Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to get better exam results, setting them up for a strong future. When children are absent, even if the absence is just for a few days and has been excused – it can have a negative impact.
As a parent, you can prepare your child for a lifetime of success by making regular school attendance a priority. You can help set your child on the path to success.
What the law says
It is the duty of parents who have a child of compulsory school age to ensure their child receives efficient, full time education suitable to their age, aptitude, ability and to any special educational needs they may have. Such education may be provided by regular attendance at school.
If a child or young person who is registered at a school does not attend regularly, a parent can receive a fine of £60 (per parent), which rises to £120 each if this is not paid within 21 days.
If the fine still goes unpaid, you could get a fine of up to £2500, a community order or a jail sentence of up to 3 months. The court also gives you a Parenting Order.
Further information can be found: www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence
So…. how parents can help –
- Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead.
- Make sure your child goes to school regularly and follows the school rules.
- Ensure your child arrives at school on time – not late.
- Arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours when possible.
- Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness.
- Take truancy seriously – if your child is not attending school they may be putting themselves at risk – Who are they with? What are they doing?
- Take family holidays outside term time.
- Talk to your child about school and take an interest in their school work (including homework).
- Attend parents’ evenings and school events.
- Praise and reward your child’s achievements at school.
- Always support school staff in their efforts to control difficult or challenging behaviour.
- Discuss any problems or difficulties with the school – staff are there to help and will be supportive.
If you require any support or guidance with attendance issues, please contact Chris Green on cgreen@lynghallschool.co.uk