We aim for the highest possible attendance Below, are examples of how attendance is impacted upon by school absence.

Student attendance over one school year

98% attendance = approximately 4 days absent from school

95% attendance = approximately 10 days absent from school

90% attendance = approximately 4 weeks absent from school

85% attendance = approximately 5 ½ weeks absent from school

80% attendance = approximately 7 ½ weeks absent from school

Student attendance over 5 years

85- 90% attendance = similar to having half a year off school

80% attendance = similar to having a whole year off school

Parents may not be aware of the impact school absence has on our community. Withdrawing pupils from school leaves them vulnerable to not making the best possible progress, however, it also impacts on the rest of their class. To negate the impact of lost learning, teachers will have to focus on gaps in learning. This can mean that learning support is re-directed or that a teacher’s focus is taken away from the class to bridge individual gaps in learning.

 Unauthorised absences also creates additional work for school staff who will be anxious to help bring withdrawn pupils up to speed with the rest of the class.

Attendance figures are analysed closely by Ofsted during their inspections and can thus impact on the overall school grading given that outstanding schools have high levels of attendance.  Our Governors will invite parents who consistently keep children off school without authorisation to an attendance meeting.  Parents may also be fined by the Local Authority. 

At Flyford Flavell First School, we aim to support by parents by giving out term dates as early as possible. We would appreciate it if people think carefully about the impact of unauthorised absences on our school community and as advised by Government, take their holidays outside of term time.