Truancy frequently asked questions

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How do schools work out my child’s attendance?

Schools count each day as 2 sessions - morning and afternoon. Your child has to attend 10 full sessions (5 days morning and afternoon) each week to achieve 100 per cent attendance for that week.

If your child has a half day absence, they would have a 90 per cent attendance for that week, if they had a whole day off school their attendance would be 80 per cent and so on. If your child is absent for the whole week they would be given 0 per cent attendance.

Schools then calculate your child’s average percentage attendance over the whole term.

How many children achieve 95 per cent or 100 per cent attendance?

A number of children in any class in any term in a Wiltshire school will achieve 100 per cent attendance and nearly all children in that class will have been to school for over 95 per cent of their time.

Only a few children attend less than 95 per cent of their time.

The school report says that my child’s average for the term is 90 per cent - should I be concerned?

Yes, you should. This means your child is having on average a day off every other week. This may be because they had the odd day here and there and then a few days off for an illness. Over the term it adds up.

What could I do to help minimise my child’s time off school?

One of the best ways to help your child is to make all doctors’, dentists’, opticians’ and other appointments for after school hours.

Another is to make sure your child is never late for school. It is sometimes the case that tummy aches and headaches come if a child is inwardly worrying about being late.

The school wasn’t happy when I asked whether my child could take a little bit of time off for a family holiday. My child never has any other time off.

If your child has a week off school they could lose up to 20 lessons of English and mathematics depending on how the school organises its lessons.

If you feel that in very exceptional circumstances you must take a holiday in term time you have to get permission from the Headteacher at the school, or the child will be marked as having unauthorised absence.

Yes, I’m convinced. This must be right for my child’s education and well being. What can I do to help?

If your child had 100 per cent (full) attendance, then challenge them to equal it. When your child comes home with a good attendance certificate, do what you would do anyway, and make them feel wonderful.

Where you can get help

For more details about school attendance talk to your child’s school or contact us.

Last updated: 29 April 2009