Introduction
School attendance is arguably one of the most important indicators of school success. This is based on the simple fact that you cannot learn when you are not present to learn. Whilst there are always exceptions to the rule, children and young people who have good attendance, are much more likely to achieve academically.
School also brings other benefits such as:
- social interaction
- support with health and wellbeing
The longer children are absent:
- the more likely they are to become isolated
- the harder it is to return to school
- some may also be drawn to risk taking or anti-social behaviour or become victims of crime
Evidence suggests that children who attend school regularly are more likely to go on to lead healthier, wealthier lives. This strategy recognises the complexity of attending school and that securing good attendance of all our children is a team effort. School attendance is ‘everyone’s business’. The positive news is that many of the children in Lincolnshire have very good attendance. This means they leave school well prepared for adult working life where good attendance is also expected. Our vision is that all our children in Lincolnshire attend as much as they can. We know there is excellent practice in schools and strong partnership working across all our services supporting children into school. However, we are also aware that going to school can be extremely challenging for some of our children and is multi-faceted. Therefore more needs to be done to:
- support children who are not attending regularly
- recognise the risk that non-attendance brings to the academic achievement, well- being and safety of our children
This strategy focusses on improving attendance for children of statutory school age. However, good attendance is often learned behaviour. It starts in early education, even pre-school. Children who do not attend regularly in reception class are more likely to continue to be poor attenders throughout primary school and into secondary provision.
We promote the attendance of young people post statutory school age at some form of education provision under the statutory guidance Participation of Young People in Education, Employment, or Training Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2016). Whilst the laws of attendance are different from post 16 until 18, the importance of attendance and the impact of non-attendance remains the same in the role they play in ensuring good outcomes for young people. Children who are most likely not to continue in education until 18 are those who had poor attendance at school.
In summary, we know that if we can help everyone understand the importance of regular attendance early in a child’s education and prior to securing full time work, there is a better chance of the child achieving well later on in adult life.