As we move towards the new academic year, we are urging students, parents and carers, and families to think about the importance of school attendance. If a child is absent from school for an average of one day per week, they will miss two years of education between Reception and Year 11. Attendance is also linked with attainment. Students who leave Year 11 with 5 or more GCSEs grades 9-4 usually have excellent attendance records.
Only schools can authorise absence. Unauthorised absence from school is called truancy and parents of pupils whose absence is not authorised can be guilty of a criminal offence and may be liable to either a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution in the Magistrate’s Court.
For information on school attendance and Truancy Penalty Notices click the link below:
We understand that school attendance is not always as easy for some students as others due to family circumstances, mental and physical health. If your child is unable to attend for health reasons - speak to their school about what support they can offer. You may also find one or more of the following support services helpful:
Mental health and wellbeing
Young Minds - School Anxiety and Refusal: Parent Guide to Support
Barnardo’s – Back to school: Strategies for coping with feelings
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support
Stoke-on-Trent SEND Local Offer
Support for families
Children's Commissioner resources for families
School nursing services
Stoke-on-Trent Integrated 0-19 Health Visiting and School Nursing Service
Support for care experienced students
Support for moving from primary to secondary school
Children's Commissioner activity pack
How to improve your child's attendance
Children's Commissioner - working together to improve school attendance
Is my child too ill for school - NHS advice