Attendance - it really does matter!

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back after what I hope was a lovely half term break. 

As you know, school attendance is a key factor in children's academic success. Research shows that children with the best academic outcomes at the end of Primary and Secondary school, missed fewer days than those didn't perform as strongly. Furthermore, recent studies show that children in KS2 who do not meet the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths missed on average 4 more days a year than those whose performance exceeded the standard. Attendance really does matter!

Over the next week, you may receive a letter regarding your child's attendance. If so, this will be because their attendance has dropped below 90%, which is called "persistent absence." I am very aware that in the first half term, just a couple of days' absence can cause attendance to drop below 90% so if your child has been ill, and is now back at school in their usual good attendance habits, their percentage will soon exceed 90%. However, it is important to send these letters as it may be that there is a problem causing poorer attendance, and we may be able to offer support. 

This half term, we will be launching Little Heroes - a Staffordshire campaign to celebrate regular school attendance, and to support those who may be struggling. 

If you would like to discuss any aspect of attendance, please do get in contact.