Good Reasons for Missing School - There Are None!
With the exception of religious festivals or a genuine medical condition, with evidence from a GP or hospital,
there are no reasons to miss school.
How does your child’s attendance compare over the year?
Attendance Days Absent Weeks Absent Lessons Missed
95% 9 days 2 weeks 45 lessons
90% 19 days 4 weeks 95 lessons
85% 29 days 6 weeks 145 lessons
95% attendance is still 2 weeks of missed school!
Medical appointments
To be arranged outside of school hours if possible.
Feeling unwell
If your child has a non-contagious or minor illness such as a headache or cold, send them to school. Please
notify the school if your child has a serious illness where authorised absence may need to be taken.
Feeling tired
Your child is still able to attend school when they feel tired. School will send them home if they can’t manage.
Children and young people need their sleep. The NHS recommends 6-13 year olds have 9-11 hours sleep
and teenagers 9 hours per night. Try turning off electronic devices 2 hours before bedtime.
Being more organised
Make the morning routine less rushed. Is your child’s uniform and equipment ready the night before? How is
your child getting to school? What are they having for breakfast? Is the alarm set?
“I don’t want to go to school”
Every school has a member of staff whose role it is to support children who are reluctant to go to school. If
you get help early, you are more likely to resolve issues more quickly and effectively. Speak to your child’s
Welfare Leader.