Why Good Attendance Matters for Your Child

Every family wants the best for their child, and a huge part of helping them feel happy, confident and successful is supporting regular school attendance. We know that life isn’t always straightforward—illness, anxieties, family challenges and busy routines can all make attending school every day feel difficult at times. That’s completely understandable.

But we also know from strong national research that each day in school is an opportunity for your child to learn, grow, socialise and build confidence. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) reminds us that children attend more regularly when they feel understood, supported, and part of a school community that listens to families. [smart-trust.net]

The Department for Education (DfE) also highlights that even small amounts of missed learning can make school feel harder for children, which can affect how confident they feel about their progress over time. Their research shows a clear link between regular attendance and long‑term outcomes. [devon.gov.uk]

And locally, Devon County Council explains that regular attendance helps children make friendships, enjoy new experiences, develop independence and feel settled in their routines—all the things that support their overall wellbeing. [schooldash.com]

What the Research Tells Us

Learning and Progress

• Children attending 95–100% have 30% higher odds of achieving expected standards in reading, writing and maths, compared with those attending 90–95%. [devon.gov.uk]
• Missing just 10 extra days a year can significantly reduce their chances of strong GCSE outcomes later. [devon.gov.uk]

This doesn’t mean perfection—it simply shows how much every day helps.

Small Absences Add Up Without Us Realising

Devon’s evidence-based guidance shows:

• 95% attendance = 9 days missed
• 90% attendance = 19 days missed
• 85% attendance = 29 days missed
• 80% attendance = 38 days missed (almost 8 weeks)
  [schooldash.com]

This helps explain why even occasional absences across the year can add up quickly.

Long‑Term Impact

DfE research found:

• Each extra day missed during secondary school can be linked to around £750 less in future earnings. [schoolsearch.uk]
• Pupils who are persistently absent may earn around £10,000 less by age 28. [dartmoormat.org.uk]

These figures aren’t meant to worry families—they simply highlight how much regular attendance can support children’s long‑term confidence, qualifications and opportunities.

How Good Attendance Helps Your Child Feel Happy and Settled

Regular attendance helps children to:

• Build and maintain friendships
• Grow in confidence and independence
• Feel secure with routines
• Access fun activities, clubs and experiences
• Develop good learning habits
• Have the strongest possible start for later education and life

Devon’s guidance says it simply: “Missing school… means missing out.” [schooldash.com]

A Team Effort

No parent should feel alone in this. The EEF, DfE and Devon County Council all emphasise the same message:

• Good attendance is best achieved through partnership—school, family and child working together.
• Support should start early, be non‑judgmental and recognise the real challenges families face. [smart-trust.net]

A Warm, Supportive Checklist for Parents

These checklist is designed to help families feel supported—not pressured. Every small step helps.

Creating Calm, Predictable Routines

• ☐ We try to keep mornings as calm and predictable as possible (but we know not every morning will be perfect!).
• ☐ We get things ready the night before to reduce stress—bags, uniform, water bottle, homework.
• ☐ We aim for a consistent bedtime to help our child feel rested.

When Your Child Isn’t Feeling Themselves

• ☐ If our child is struggling (worries, friendships, tiredness, health), we let school know early—they want to help.
• ☐ We only keep them home when genuinely unwell, following NHS/school guidance.
• ☐ We remind our child that school is a safe place where many adults can support them.

Staying in Touch

• ☐ We tell school as soon as possible if our child needs to be off.
• ☐ We respond to messages or calls from the attendance or pastoral team—they’re there to help, not judge.
• ☐ We keep the school updated if our family is going through something that might affect attendance.

Planning Ahead (With Life’s Realities in Mind)

• ☐ We try to book appointments outside the school day where possible.
• ☐ We avoid term‑time holidays where we can (as the DfE guidance says these can’t usually be authorised). [schooldash.com]
• ☐ When unexpected things come up—as they do—we contact school early for support.

Supporting Positivity About School

• ☐ We talk positively about school to help our child feel excited and reassured.
• ☐ We ask warm, open questions like “What was something good today?” to encourage conversation.
• ☐ We celebrate good attendance and small wins—“You got in even though you were tired today. That’s brilliant.”