Moments Matter, Attendance Counts
Please see below some useful information from the recently launched DfE campaign ‘Moments Matter, Attendance Counts’:
From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child.
Everything you need to know about school attendance – https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/09/02/back-to-school-week-everything-you-need-to-know-about-school-attendance/
If you are unsure whether you should send your child into school the NHS website – ‘Is my child too ill for school’ is a useful tool – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
It is never too late to benefit from good attendance:
More than half of pupils who were persistently absent (<90% attendance) from school in Year 10 and then rarely absent in Year 11 passed at least 5 GCSEs, compared to 36% who were persistently absent from school in Year 10 and 11 (2). Attendance is important for more than just attainment – regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
As a parent you will be aware that a pupil’s absence during term time can seriously disrupt their continuity of learning
Not only do they miss the teaching provided on the days they are away, they are also less prepared for lessons after their return. There is a consequent risk of underachievement which you must try to avoid.
If a pupil is absent due to illness immediate communication with school is needed, e.g. leave a voice mail message or contact the attendance worker directly (Mrs Akhtar).
Penalty notices and Information to Parents
Important Update – Changes to Education-related Penalty Notices Information for Parents
You may be aware that the Department for Education has recently announced national changes to penalty notices issued for unauthorised absence in term time. These changes will come into effect on 19 August 2024.
The changes to be aware of are:
- Penalty notices issued for offences that take place after 19 August 2024 will be charged at a new rate of £160 per parent per child. This can be paid at £80 if paid within 21 days.
- Any second penalty notice issued to the same parent for the same child within a rolling 3-year period will be issued at the rate of £160 to be paid within 28 days with no option for a discounted rate.
- The threshold at which a penalty notice must be considered is set at 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school week period. This may include absences as a result of arriving late after the register closes. The 10 school weeks may span different terms or school years.
- A maximum of 2 penalty notices may be issued to a parent for the same child within a rolling 3-year period, so at the 3rd (or subsequent) offence(s) another course of action will need to be considered (such as prosecution or one of the other attendance legal interventions.
- Only penalty notices issued for absences taking place after 19 August 2024 will count towards the above thresholds.
