Key reasons why it is so important that your child attends school

  • To learn and develop new skills
  • To make new friends and build confidence and self esteem
  • To develop awareness of other cultures, religions, ethnicity and gender differences
  • To gain qualifications
  • To experience new things in life
  • In short, to enjoy and achieve, and to have the best possible start in life

Young people who regularly miss school without good reason are more likely to become isolated from their friends, to underachieve in examinations and/or to become involved in anti-social behaviour.

What is excellent attendance?

At Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, we know that attending school on a regular basis will lead to achieving well at school.

95% is not good attendance. 95% is on average ½ a day absence from school per fortnight.

All students should aim for excellent attendance – 100%

If you child’s attendance falls below 90% he/she will be classed as a ‘Persistent Absentee Student’. National data proves that 90% of students classed as Persistent Absentees fail to achieve five or more good grades at GCSE and approximately one third achieve no GCSEs at all.

The table below shows the number of school days missed over the year that would lead to your child becoming a ‘Persistent Absentee’

How can parents/carers help?

  1. Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead – get uniform, bag and equipment ready.
  2. Make sure your child goes to school regularly and follows the school rules.
  3. Ensure your child arrives at school on time – not late.
  4. Arrange dental and medical appointments outside school times.
  5. Always inform school if your child is absent due to illness. Make contact on each day they are
  6. Truancy is a safeguarding issue – if your child is not attending school as you expect they may be putting themselves at risk – Who are they with? What are they doing?
  7. Take family holidays outside term time. Leave of absence requests will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. There are 175 days every year away from school available for families to spend time together including weekends and holidays.
  8. Talk to your child about school and take an interest in their school work (including homework).
  9. Attend parent/carer’s evenings, meetings and school events.
  10. Praise and reward your child’s achievements at school.
  11. Always support school staff in their efforts to resolve difficult or challenging behaviour concerns.
  12. Discuss any problems or difficulties with school – staff are there to help and will be supportive.