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PrimaryNational Strategy

Attendance and punctuality

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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

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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

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School Attendance 1994–2004

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

1993/941994/951995/961996/971997/981998/991999/2000

2000/012001/022002/032003/04

% of days attended

All SchoolsPrimarySecondary

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Attendance statistics 2003–04

• Unauthorised absence in primary schools: Unauthorised absence in primary schools: 0.41%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 92% of all primary pupils had at least one

authorised absenceauthorised absence• 16% of all primary pupils had at least one 16% of all primary pupils had at least one

unauthorised absenceunauthorised absence• The average number of half-days’ absence per The average number of half-days’ absence per

pupil was 17 sessions (half-days) authorised, pupil was 17 sessions (half-days) authorised, 8 sessions unauthorised8 sessions unauthorised

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Attendance and attainment 2003–04

0102030405060708090

100

Up to6.5%

6.5–7.5%

7.5–8.5%

8.5–10%

10–12%

12%+

Total absence %

% Ach

ievemen

t

5+ A*-C grades

5+ A*-G grades

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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

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Four key ideas

• Development of positive whole-school ethos and environment

• Effective whole-school attendance management

• Focused work with children

• Development of community links

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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

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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

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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

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Attendance teamwork

Child

EWO

Mentors

HealthserviceYOTs

Police

Social services

BIP

Youth service

Voluntary agencies

Psychology service

School staff

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Possible causes of attendance difficulties

• Parentally condoned absence

• Truancy

• Bullying

• Family issues

• Health problems

• Inappropriately protective parenting

Slide 1.12

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