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Preventing your child from missing school: What you can do...

• Making sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality
• Taking an interest in their education - ask about schoolwork and encourage them to get involved in school activities.
• Discussing any problems they may have at school - inform their teacher or the Headteacher about anything serious.
• Not letting them take time off school for minor ailments - particularly hose that would not prevent you from going to work.
• If your child's attendance falls below 85%, school will look at setting up a parenting contract with you to help improve attendance.

How can parents help...

• Take an interest in your child's work at school.
• Routine: Help children develop a good daily routine.
• Encourage: Praise your child for all good work they do and encourage them to get involved.
• Feedback: Try not to nag and criticise.  Help children see where they have gone wrong rather than criticising.
• Learning: Do thing together, talk about things and give your child lots of opportunities for asking questions and finding answers.
• Self-esteem: Help your child to feel good about themselves.  Accept that each child is unique and has their own abilities.  Listen to them and praise them.
• Inform the school on your child's first day of absence.
• Give the reason for this and the expected date of return.
• Try to avoid unnecessary absences.  Wherever possible make appointments for doctors, dentists, etc. outside of school hours.
• Ask school for help if your child is experiencing difficulties.