Good Attendance 

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At Wath Central, we are committed to supporting good attendance as a

crucial factor in the holistic safeguarding, development and progress of

our children. 

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Regular attendance at school is vital for children for a number of reasons:

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​Routine helps children feel secure

Young children thrive on structure.
Regular attendance helps them:

• settle into daily routines

• feel more confident

• reduce anxiety or fear about school

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Irregular attendance can make school feel unfamiliar and harder to adjust to.

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Good Attendance boosts overall achievement

Research consistently shows that children with good attendance perform better academically.
It’s simple: more time learning = better progress.

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Children are taught knowledge and skills in small, connected steps, making links with prior learning and building on this.   Knowledge is built incrementally like the building of a house. If one layer of bricks or more are missing,  the build (learning)  is not solid. Learning gaps caused by absence are difficult to close and even a few missed days can lead to lower confidence or added stress when trying to catch up. ​ Teachers can help, but the best learning happens when children are present.

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When a child misses school, they miss key building blocks, and catching up becomes difficult.

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Social development happens every day

Primary school isn’t only about academics—it’s also where children learn:

• teamwork

• making friends

• solving conflicts

• communication skills

Missing days can affect social confidence and relationships.

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Teachers and practitioners can spot and support difficulties early

Consistent attendance helps teachers identify various aspects of SEND which is effecting learning.  This may be difficulties with executive functioning, speech and language issues, emotional or social issues amongst many. 

 

If a child is often absent, teachers may miss important early signs when intervention is easiest and most effective.

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Good Attendance builds lifelong habits

Good attendance in primary school helps shape:

• responsibility

• resilience

• strong work habits

These habits carry forward into secondary school and later life.​​​

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We have a tiered approach to good attendance which offers both support and challenge for families. This is laid out in our Attendance Strategy. 

 

We recognise that working in partnership with families, the Local Authority, our Trust and the Department of Education (RISE initiative) is vital to secure good attendance. ​​​