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Every day matters

We all want the best for our children in Blackpool and helping them get to school on time every day is one way you can make a big difference to your child. That’s why every day matters.

Regular attendance is necessary for success in school. 

We want all our pupils to do well, and going to school every day is really important if children are to achieve at school. 

Good attendance

Families should aim for 100% attendance at school. Without good attendance, children miss out on valuable learning opportunities.

Attending school every day helps set children up for life.

We want the best outcomes for all children and young people in Blackpool and being in school and ready to learn is crucial for them to succeed.

Attending school is vital for:

  • Children’s educational progress
  • Wellbeing
  • Wider development

Poor attendance

When attendance starts to drop below 95% in Blackpool, we become concerned.

Missing school leaves children vulnerable to falling behind as well as missing out on making friends. The link between poor attendance and poor outcomes is the reason why attendance is so important.

For some, 90% may seem like an acceptable level of attendance but the reality is that this means your child will miss half a school day each week.

Being late regularly is also learning that is lost so build a routine for attendance success. Good habits help pupils to attend school regularly and arrive on time.

Being in school on time and ready to learn means they can make friends, learn new skills and work through problems.

Your child or children that live with you

We know that the reasons for absence are complex.

During the pandemic, children missed a lot of school and now we want to make sure that we are doing everything possible to ensure they can attend.

Whilst parents are responsible for ensuring their child goes to school every day, support is available.

If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, contact the school and ask for help. There may be a reason why your child doesn’t want to go to school.

The school may have staff who work to support attendance or they may ask for help from the pupil welfare service.

Pupil welfare officers will support young people and families to help them overcome barriers that prevent good attendance. 

Legal responsibilities

Parents have a legal responsibility with regards to attendance at school. Poor attendance could result in legal proceedings so working together to ensure good attendance is essential.

Other legal processes such as penalty notices can be used in response to non-attendance, resulting in a fine. Missing school for holidays is one example of when they may be used.

With the cost of living on the rise, it may be tempting to take a family holiday in term time. But remember, holidays in term time are low in price but the cost to a child’s education is high. 

There are 190 days during a school year. This leaves 175 days throughout the year to take holidays.

Where possible, medical appointments should be arranged before or after school hours. In some cases where this isn’t possible, parents are encouraged to get their child to school before and after the appointment to reduced missed learning time.

Free school meals

Blackpool Catering Services provide freshly prepared nutritious meals. These have health and educational benefits which can improve a child’s diet and increase their concentration during afternoon lessons.

All Blackpool primary school children are entitled to a free breakfast during term time under a scheme to improve the health and wellbeing of the town’s young residents.

Some families are also eligible for free school meals. For almost a third of children, school lunch is their main meal of the day.

Check if your child is eligible for free school meals

Improving attendance

In order to enable children and young people to achieve their full potential:

  • Where possible, make medical appointments outside of school hours
  • Plan holidays when schools are closed – be aware of return dates following half term holidays
  • Check the school day and school calendar in advance
  • Actively encourage regular school attendance
  • Communicate with the school immediately to resolve any concerns or worries, rather than keep your child off school

Contact

If you are a parent that is concerned about your child not attending school, please contact the pupil welfare service and your child’s school.

If you are concerned about a child that you believe may not be attending school, please contact the pupil welfare service and the matter will be referred to an officer for investigation.

Pupil welfare service

PO Box 4, Blackpool, FY1 1NA
Telephone 01253 476478