Why is Attendance Important?
The rights of children and young people to an education is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and in UK law.
Evidence shows that excellent attendance is key to ensuring positive outcomes for children and young people. Missing school leaves children vulnerable to falling behind their peers, achieving poorer outcomes at both primary and secondary levels as well as post-16 choices and outcomes. The benefits of attending school are not just for your child’s/young person’s academic education but also for:
For some children, attending school is a big ask! We recognise that barriers to attending school can be both a cause and symptom of more complex issues in the lives of children and young people. Where this is believed to be the case, it is important that there is an understanding of the barriers to accessing education and offering support to overcome them. In some cases, the child and family may need support from several different agencies to meet their needs.
We understand that regular school attendance is one of the best ways of protecting a child’s or young person’s mental and physical health and lays down strong foundations for their long-term well-being.
It is never too late to start positive routines and patterns which will stay with a child or young person throughout their school career and into their adult life. It will help them on that journey towards being a confident, mature young adult and being prepared for their next step.
For these reasons, we support and challenge all parents and carers to ensure that their children maintain a minimum attendance rate of 95%. Our Attendance Policy makes clear what we will do to support and challenge parents and carers with regard to school attendance and punctuality.
What to do if your child is absent from school
Please contact us if your child will be absent from school on the first day of absence and each subsequent day/s. You can call on 01803 326 330, if we are not there, you can leave a voicemail. Email us on office@lodestaracademy.org.uk. Our morning registers close at 9.30am, if your child is not in school by this time, the Admin team will begin calling home for the reason for lateness/absence.
Think carefully before keeping your child away from school for medical reasons. If your child needs to take medication during the school day, we will be able to help them take their medication and prevent unnecessary absence. Medications such as Paracetamol may be administered at school for short term use and when required in accordance with the Academy's guidance - please see Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy.
Further Information & Guidance
The Department for Education has brought together useful information on how to improve your child’s attendance and where to get support on the Education Hub
There is a guide for parents called Working Together to Improve School Attendance. You can find useful advice about:
The Attendance Action Alliance produced this guide with the Department for Education.
You can find out more about the full range of help and support available in Torbay on the Torbay Family Hub
The Children’s Commissioner has brought together resources for families.
If you have any further questions regarding Attendance, please speak to:
Sarah Harris - Lead for Behaviour and Attendance on 01803 326330
Catherine Anstead - Attendance Improvement Coordinator on 01803 326330