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Attendance

ATTENDANCE GUIDANCE IS CHANGING FROM THE 19TH AUGUST 2024 - MAKE SURE YOU ARE UP TO DATE BY LOOKING A OUR ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

A good education is vital for children and young people and regular attendance at school is a key factor in opening up more opportunities in adult life. If your child develops a habit of regular school attendance, they'll have a positive attitude at school and beyond.

School is the best place for children and young people to enjoy developing independence, building friendships and learning with their friends. All Portsmouth schools are committed to enabling all children to develop the best versions of themselves as individuals, achieving the very best they can and learning how to develop the personal relationships and interests which will enable them to live rewarding lives.

As a parent or carer you have a hugely important role to play in your child’s education. Your support is crucial to make sure they attend school regularly and to give them the positive encouragement they need. Your child’s school will be keen to help you support your child in their learning. We strongly encourage you to ask questions and make sure you have the information you need from the school to help you do this as well as you can. Find out more https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/schools-learning-and-childcare/schools/school-attendance/

If your child develops a habit of regular school attendance from the beginning, they'll have a positive attitude at school and beyond. Evidence shows that children who attend regularly are more successful, not only in school, but in all areas of life.

Missing school means not only missing out on lessons, but also friendships, clubs, trips and all the other opportunities that school has to offer.

As parents, you have a very important part to play in encouraging and supporting your child to ensure they understand the importance of regular attendance from an early age. You can help them to maintain that attitude throughout their school life and into their work life.

We are committed to ensuring that every child gets the chance to go to school to help them to get the best possible start to life.

Please speak to us if you have any worries about getting your child into school.

Top tips to help prevent absence

· talk to your child about how important it is to attend school

· inspire them to think about what they would like to be when they grow up, and how school can help with that

· ask regularly about how school is going

· ensure they have a good sleep routine, eat healthily and exercise regularly

· help them to get everything they need ready for school the night before

· use the NHS guidance on illness

· book all holidays outside of term time

· book medical and dental appointments outside school hours if possible - and if not possible, ensure your child attends school before and after the appointment

· if your child complains of boredom, contact their class teacher, form teacher or head of year to find out more

· provide a good environment for study at home and ensure they have time set aside for homework

· find out if your child wants to avoid school for a reason that they’re frightened to tell you about - perhaps they are being bullied

· work with the school to address any attendance issues to ensure they don't miss out

On the left hand side are the resources from the DfE campaign Moments Matter, attendance Coutns campaign.

FAQs

We’ve put together FAQs using some of the concerns raised by families about being in school. Please use these messages (where you feel appropriate) when you have conversations with parents and carers:

I'm worried my child is anxious about going to school.

· Speak to us about any specific concerns you have. We will listen to your concerns and work with you to make sure you have the information and support you and your child need to feel positive about coming into school.

What support is available to my child at school?

· If you are worried that your child isn't coping in school, please contact us directly. We will be able to talk about the support the school can offer and how we can help your child.

· What is an unauthorised absence?

Any absence not approved by the head teacher is an unauthorised absence. Unauthorised absence includes time off for shopping, birthdays, holidays, visiting relatives, getting up late and days out.

· What is an authorised absence?

Any term-time absence must be approved by (insert name) the head teacher. This is called authorised absence.

At the head teacher's discretion, absence may be authorised for genuine illness of for reasons of religious belief. Check her (insert link) on the school website to be sure you understand our policy on authorised absence.

· What are the consequences of an unauthorised absence?

Missing school means not only missing out on lessons, but also friendships, clubs, trips and all the other opportunities that school has to offer. Unauthorised absences could potentially lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice.

· My child is anxious about going to school

It’s normal for children and young people to feel worried about something that’s happening at school – for example, when starting a new school or during exams. Your school can support you and your child through difficult times. If you are worried about your child's attendance make an appointment with the teacher who will be able to support you and give you guidance on where to seek help.

Why should my child attend school?

These messages demonstrate why school is so important for young people. You can use them to shape conversations you may be having with families who have concerns about being in school:

children seek independence. They need to feel settled and develop a sense of belonging, outside their homes and families.
children and young people are sociable. They benefit enormously from doing things together as a school group and sharing experiences with their peers.
children are naturally inquisitive. They seek out adventure and thrive on being active, and interacting with young people. Schools are set up for this and will help your child build friendships and have fun while learning.
children need structure, routine and consistency. Being at school with give your child the structure they need to thrive and adapt to any new and changing routines at home.
evidence shows that being in school helps children be more successful in all areas of life, including their home life and into their work life. As well as valuable face-to-face teaching time, pupils have access to extra-curricular opportunities, careers support and peer-to-peer learning.
being in school is the best way for children and young people to keep on top of their learning, to receive support and guidance from teaching staff and have access to the tools and resources they need to progress.
the interactive learning opportunities are far greater for children in the classroom. Our teachers have worked hard to develop an engaging curriculum and lesson plans for the new school year, so pupils will be able to take advantage of a wide variety of learning tactics and resources.