Pupils need to attend school regularly to benefit from their education. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind. Children with poor attendance tend to achieve less in both primary and secondary school. 

The government expects schools and local authorities to:

• promote good attendance and reduce absence, including persistent absence
• ensure every pupil has access to full-time education to which they are entitled
• act early to address patterns of absence
• parents to perform their legal duty by ensuring their children of compulsory school age who are registered at school attend regularly
• all pupils to be punctual to their lessons

Parents have a duty to ensure that their children of compulsory school age are receiving suitable full-time education. 

How can parents help? 

• Establish a good routine in the morning and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead.
• Ensure your child arrives at school on time—not late.
• Try to arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours.
• Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness.
• Take family holidays outside term time.
• Talk to your child about school and take an interest in their school and homework.
• Attend all parents evenings and school events where possible.
• 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 here to help and will always be supportive. Please have a read through our attendance booklet for more information and how we can help. 

Missing 5 minutes of school a day adds up to 3.5 days per year! Every minute and every day counts, read more here. 

For more information on the government guidelines please visit: Department of Education (DfE) Behaviour and attendance.