Dear Parents and Carers,
Post Covid, we have seen a large increase in students being kept off school for minor ailments – coughs, colds, hayfever etc. NHS guidance clearly states that these are not reasonable reasons for school absence – this guidance can be found here. Absences for these reasons will not be authorized.
Regular attendance to school is important for the following reasons;
- To give your child the best possible start in life.
- To enable your child to reach their full potential.
- To prove to colleges and employers that your child is reliable and assist him or her in getting a good job.
- To reduce the risk of your child becoming a victim of crime or abuse
- To reduce the opportunity for your child to be drawn into antisocial or criminal behaviour.
Remember that your child must not be kept away from school for reasons such as:
- Minor ailments
- looking after others at home
- minding the house
- visiting relatives
- taking long weekends
- shopping trips
- birthday treats.
How can I encourage regular attendance?
You should start the habits of regular school attendance at an early age. If your child starts missing school:
You should start the habits of regular school attendance at an early age. If your child starts missing school:
- make early contact with the school
- help the school to put things right
- make sure that your child understands that you do not approve of him or her being absent.
Dave McLoughlin
Deputy Head Pastoral and Operations
Arts and Media School Islington