Supporting your child’s attendance at school

At Orchard Mead, we know that every day in school counts. Good attendance helps your child achieve their best, build friendships, and develop the skills they need for life. This page explains why attendance matters, how you can help, and where to find more advice.

Why Attendance Matters

• Better learning – Missing just a few days can make it harder for your child to keep up with their work.
• Confidence and friendships – Being in school helps children stay connected and feel part of the community.
• Future success – Good attendance is linked to better exam results, college options, and job opportunities.

Did you know?

Evidence shows that pupils who maintain an attendance percentage above 95% are more likely to achieve academically, reaching their full potential by moving onto further education or employment.

Sadly, evidence also shows that pupils who do not attend school on a regular basis are more likely to struggle academically, socially, and emotionally in all aspects of school life, struggling to maintain friendship groups and keep up with their peers.

Parents can often be surprised by how quickly their children’s attendance percentage can fall from odd days of absence here and there.

We ask all children to strive for 100% attendance, but we realise that this might not be possible.  If a child takes fewer than 10 days off in the school year, their attendance will be 95%, ensuring that they are in the best position to succeed academically and socially, as described above.  It might be helpful to keep track of your child’s days off to help keep within this range.

How to encourage good attendance

Here are some simple ways to help your child develop good attendance habits:

• Ensure your child gets enough sleep by turning off electronic devices and limiting the use of mobile phones to maintain a good sleep and morning routine.
• Help with organisation, working in partnership with your child to ensure they have everything ready for the following day. For example: lanyard, blazer, pencil case, PE kit, completed homework to avoid any morning rush.
• Arrange medical appointments outside of school hours.
• Build resilience, by encouraging your child to come into school every day even if it is cold, raining, they feel under the weather, they are running late, miss the bus, their sibling is unwell
• Talk positively about school – Show interest in their lessons, teachers, and friendships.
• Plan ahead – Book holidays during school breaks and avoid unnecessary days off.
• Communicate early – If your child is struggling with schoolwork, friendships, or anxiety, contact us — we can help.
• Celebrate success – Praise your child for good attendance or improvements.
• Monitor days of absence with your child – Students can maintain good attendance by having no more than 10 days of absence in an academic year. We call these the ‘Golden 10 days!’

How we reward good attendance:

• All children receive Oath Points for daily attendance. Oath Points count towards trips and prizes.
• Tutor Group Attendance Cup – this is awarded weekly to the highest attending tutor group. Each half-term, the group that has won the cup the most times also gets access to an additional reward.
• 100% Club – students with 100% attendance each term receive a 100% Attendance Badge for their lanyard and exclusive access to special activities and trips
• Half termly postcards, certificates and sweet treats to recognise all students who have achieved excellent attendance
• Termly recognition of families and students who have worked to improve their attendance
• Attendance Streaks – throughout the year, students are set an Attendance Streak Challenge which means that they are set the challenge to attend for a number of consecutive days. If they achieve their Streak then they gain access to the special reward.

Illnesses – When can my child still come to school?

We know that children may sometimes feel unwell, but in many cases, they can still attend school. Minor symptoms such as a runny nose, mild headache, or period pain, for example, should not prevent attendance. In fact, coming into school often helps students feel better once they are busy, supported, and surrounded by friends.

Parents can help by:

• Encouraging your child to attend school even if they have mild discomfort. Role-modelling that it is important to keep going, and that often mild symptoms will quickly improve
• Ensuring they have had breakfast, a drink of water, and, if needed, a suitable dose of over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen before the school day begins.
• Providing sanitary products and pain relief in advance to support attendance during periods.
• Talking positively about the importance of being in school every day.

For more guidance, visit the NHS: Is my child too ill for school? page.

More on medical appointments

We understand that some appointments can’t be moved. However, please try to:

• Book appointments outside school hours whenever possible, such as after 3pm or during the school holidays.
• Request telephone or video consultations if appropriate, as these often offer more flexibility.
• Ask for the earliest or latest slot of the day to reduce the time your child is out of school.
• Send your child into school before or after their appointment, even if they cannot attend for the whole day. Every lesson counts.
• Provide the school with a copy of appointment cards or letters so we can keep accurate records.

If your child has a long-term medical condition or regular treatment, please speak to our Attendance Officer or Pastoral Team so we can support your family.  Please see their contact details below:

Working Together

We’re here to help. If your child is having difficulties attending school for any reason — health, anxiety, or family circumstances — please contact us using the information above or by telephoning the school on: 01162413371. Early support makes a big difference.

Please click here to read our Attendance Policy: TMET Attendance Policy v3 (2025-2026) 

Useful advice and support

• NHS: Is my child too ill for school?
• Department for Education – School Attendance Guidance for Parents
• Young Minds – School Anxiety and Refusal
• Attendance Works – UK Parent Support
• Childline – Support for Young People