2. Sophie’s mum had a copy of her attendance from September to December. It said Julie had attended for only 67% of the time. Her mum said, ‘She goes to school every day no problem’, so she phoned the Academy to say they had got it wrong……but they hadn’t.

3. Sophie’s mum looked at her attendance and the reasons for her absences…… 2 weeks family holiday (its cheaper in term time) 10 days Birthday off (a special treat) 1 day Last 2 days of Christmas term (winding down 2 days) Flu (she can’t help Being ill) 5 days Accidentally overslept (we all do it sometimes) 4 days Late into school after registration 6 days Missed bus ( I can’t expect her to walk all that way) 3 days Baby sitting sister when she was ill 3 days

4. What could YOU do about Sophie’s Attendance?  What do YOU think about the reasons she has missed school?  How many of the absences could have been avoided?  How would they have increased her attendance %?

5. What If?  If Sophie had not been absent for the 8 odd days  If Sophie had not missed registration 6 times  Sophie’s attendance would have been 80% (still not good enough though)  And if Sophie had not taken the holiday in term time her attendance would have been 94.9%

6. What does it mean?  Sophie will be categorised as a ‘Persistent Absentee’ because her attendance is less than 85%.  Her name will go on an official list the school has to complete every half term.  Sophie’s parents will risk being issued with a fixed penalty fine or even prosecution.

7. How will this affect Sophie?  Sophie will have missed over 155 out of 505 lessons, in one term.  Sophie was predicted to achieve grade Cs in most of her subjects.  The DFE say that attendance should be at least 95% (9 days absence) in order for students to achieve their potential.  Research shows a pupil with 91% (17 days absence) or less attendance, could risk dropping at least 1 GCSE grade.  She will find her work difficult and start to fall behind with her coursework.

8. What can YOU do to help YOUR child improve their Attendance?  Do not take holidays in term time  Make sure that your child attends school every day and arrives in school on time so that they get their registration mark  No shopping trips, winding down days or Birthday treats in term time.