Good school attendance is vital for a child's education, wellbeing and future opportunities. We are committed to supporting all children and young people to attend school regularly and achieve their full potential.
The Importance of Good Attendance
Regular school attendance allows children to:
- Build knowledge and skills consistently
- Develop positive relationships with teachers and peers
- Participate fully in school life
- Gain confidence and self-esteem
- Prepare for their future education and careers
The Impact of Low Attendance
Even short periods of absence can have a significant effect:
- Missing just 10% of school days (about 19 days per year) can negatively impact academic achievement
- A child with 95% attendance across a whole school year (August to June) will have missed around 60 lessons. A child with 85% attendance will have missed around 250 lessons.
- Low attendance is linked to lower exam results and fewer qualifications
- Low attendance can affect social development and job prospects later in life
Resources for Parents and Carers
We want to work in partnership with families to support good attendance. On this page you'll find:
- Attendance Policy
- Parent/Carer Guide to Supporting School Attendance
- Links to helpful attendance support resources:
Get Support
If you have any concerns about your child's attendance or need additional support, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school. We're here to help ensure every child can make the most of their education. You can also contact Children 1st Parentline: 08000 28 22 33 for free confidential advice.
Together, we can make #EverySchoolDayCounts for children and young people in the Scottish Borders