© Crown copyright 2005 Primary National Strategy Attendance and punctuality

© Crown copyright 2005 Objectives To understand the extent of pupil absence in a national context To develop an understanding of the impact of poor or irregular school attendance on overall attainment To consider the effects poor attendance or punctuality can have on individual children and teachers To increase understanding of how absence or poor punctuality may develop To explore good practice in attendance management Slide 1.1

© Crown copyright 2005 Underlying principles Positive relationships with children and their parents/carers are key to positive behaviour and good attendance Positive recognition and reinforcement of appropriate behaviour is likely to elicit continued positive behaviour and good attendance Behaviour is contextual and interactive Behaviour can change Regular attendance and punctuality are key building blocks to maximising achievement and developing opportunities in adulthood Parents/carers and schools need to respect and value what each have to offer and to work collaboratively Many parents/carers will need support at times Slide 1.2

© Crown copyright 2005 School Attendance 1994–2004 Slide 1.3

© Crown copyright 2005 Attendance statistics 2003–04 Unauthorised absence in primary schools: 0.41% Unauthorised absence in primary schools: 0.41% Overall absence in primary schools: 5.49% Overall absence in primary schools: 5.49% 92% of all primary pupils had at least one authorised absence 92% of all primary pupils had at least one authorised absence 16% of all primary pupils had at least one unauthorised absence 16% of all primary pupils had at least one unauthorised absence The average number of half-days’ absence per pupil was 17 sessions (half-days) authorised, 8 sessions unauthorised The average number of half-days’ absence per pupil was 17 sessions (half-days) authorised, 8 sessions unauthorised Slide 1.4

© Crown copyright 2005 Attendance and attainment 2003– Up to 6.5% 6.5– 7.5% 7.5– 8.5% 8.5– 10% 10– 12% 12%+ Total absence % % Achievement 5+ A*-C grades 5+ A*-G grades Slide 1.5

© Crown copyright 2005 Other Iinks with truancy Truancy also has clear and direct links with: low uptake of further education and training unemployment a continuing cycle of low expectations a cycle of low-level parental support poverty involvement in crime: persistent truants are more likely to offend than regular attenders (66% of young offenders are regular truants) early age use of alcohol and drugs: truants aged 15 are more likely to have taken drugs (41% vs 13%), to be a regular smoker (58% vs 28%) and to usually drink alcohol at least once a week (57% vs 34%) than regular attenders Slide 1.6

© Crown copyright 2005 Four key ideas Development of positive whole-school ethos and environment Effective whole-school attendance management Focused work with children Development of community links Slide 1.7

© Crown copyright 2005 Whole-school attendance management Effective planning, policy and procedures are in place Effective monitoring and data analysis inform actions Clear communication systems Individual case management processes Effective whole-school behaviour and anti- bullying policies Effective monitoring of vulnerable groups Good working relationships with other agencies Slide 1.8

© Crown copyright 2005 Focused work with children An emphasis on attendance and punctuality across the curriculum Circle time, class discussions Peer support systems Celebrations and rewards Assemblies Providing positive role models, inviting special visitors to focus on particular issues Breakfast clubs to ensure children have a healthy and positive start to the day Slide 1.9

© Crown copyright 2005 Development of community links Clear communication with parents/carers Guidance for parents/carers on attendance, punctuality and access to support Celebration, acknowledgement of efforts Role models Slide 1.10

© Crown copyright 2005 Attendance teamwork Child EWO Mentors Health service YOTs Police Social services BIP Youth service Voluntary agencies Psychology service School staff Slide 1.11

© Crown copyright 2005 Possible causes of attendance difficulties Parentally condoned absence Truancy Bullying Family issues Health problems Inappropriately protective parenting Slide 1.12

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