Promoting Good Attendance & Punctuality

There is a clear link between attendance and attainment. Being in school is important to a child’s achievement, wellbeing, and wider development. Evidence shows that the students with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A Level results.

The Law 

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, and any special educational need they may have. It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education either by attendance at a school or by education otherwise than at a school.

Where parents decide to have their child registered at school, they have an additional legal duty to ensure their child attends that school regularly. This means their child must attend every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence in advance from the school

What are my responsibilities regarding my child’s school attendance?

As a parent or carer it is your responsibility to ensure that a child of compulsory school age attends school both regularly and punctually. The local authority has a duty to ensure that all parents and carers fulfil this responsibility. Doncaster City Council's aim is for all children to achieve full attendance and the best possible outcome they can.

Why is it important for my child to attend school regularly?

Regular school attendance and good punctuality means your child can make the most of their education and will improve their choices and life chances in adult life. It will also prepare them for when they enter the world of work. School helps children and young people with their social skills, making and maintaining friendships and builds confidence and self esteem. If your child does not attend school regularly it could affect their attainment because of missed lessons.

Can I get help if my child is not attending school regularly?

You should always contact the school first to discuss your concerns. They should be able to offer support and advice. If your school is unable to resolve the issues it may suggest you contact the Attendance and Pupil Welfare Service for further advice and guidance. Contact details can be found below.

Is my child not well enough to attend school?

Please see below a link to the 'Is my child too ill for school?' page on the NHS website. This outlines steps to take regarding the most common illnesses and ailments. If you have concerns about your child’s well being, please discuss with the school and contact your GP or health practitioner for medical advice where necessary.

Attendance prosecution: Purpose of prosecution and when it may be appropriate

If a child of compulsory school age fails to attend regularly at a school at which they are registered, or at a place where alternative provision is provided for them, their parents may be guilty of an offence and can be prosecuted by the local authority.

Prosecution in the Magistrates Court is the last resort where all other voluntary and formal support or legal intervention has failed or where support has been deemed inappropriate in the circumstances of the individual case

Local authorities have the power to prosecute: 

Parents who fail to comply with a school attendance order issued by the local authority to require a parent to get their child registered at a named school (under section 443 of the Education Act 1996). This may result in a fine of up to level 3 (£1,000).

• Parents who fail to secure their child’s regular attendance at a school, for which there are 2 separate offences: section 444(1) where a parent fails to secure the child’s regular attendance; and section 444(1A) where a parent knows that the child is failing to attend school regularly and fails to ensure the child does so. The section 444(1) offence may result in a fine of up to level 3 (£1,000) and the section 444(1A) offence my result in a fine of up to level 4 (£2,500), and/or a community order or imprisonment of up to 3 months

Contact:

• Email: APWS@doncaster.gov.uk

More information

• Attendance and Pupil Welfare homepage
• Is my child too ill for school?

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