Going to school regularly is important for your child's future. Parents are responsible for making sure their children receive full-time education. Parents are legally responsible for making sure that children attend school. 

Benefits of school attendance

Good attendance at school is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Attending school is directly linked to improved exam performance which should in turn lead to further learning opportunities and better job prospects. As well as this, going to school helps to develop:

• Friendships
• Social skills
• Team values
• Life skills
• Cultural awareness
• Career pathways

Absence from school

All schools must record details of students’ attendance and absence at school. They do this at the beginning of morning and afternoon sessions meaning that each day your child receives two half day marks.

When staff talk about attendance percentages with parents or students, it can be difficult for them to understand why there are concerns. Achieving 90% in an exam or test is a fantastic result, but if your child is at school for only 90 per cent of the school year then they will have missed 19 days - almost four whole weeks of school.

You can help prevent your child missing school by:

• having a routine from an early age and sticking it to it
• making sure your child understands the importance of good attendance and punctuality
• making sure they understand the possible implications for themselves and you as a parent if they don't attend
• taking an interest in their education - ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities
• discussing any problems they may have at school and letting their teacher or principal know about anything that is causing concern
• not letting them take time off school for minor ailments or holidays during term time

To avoid disrupting your child's education, you should arrange (as far as possible), appointments and outings:

• after school hours
• at weekends
• during school holidays