Supporting Excellent School Attendance at Stratton School
Every Day Counts
At Stratton School, we believe that excellent attendance is one of the strongest foundations for success. Every lesson, every interaction and every opportunity contributes to your child's learning, wellbeing and future aspirations.
🎯 Our attendance aspiration is 96% or better for every student.
Students who attend regularly are more likely to:
- Achieve stronger academic outcomes
- Develop positive friendships and relationships
- Build confidence and resilience
- Participate in enrichment opportunities and school life
- Develop habits that support future employment and study
- Feel connected, supported and successful
Every day in school is a chance to learn, grow and thrive.
Why 96% Matters
While 96% attendance sounds high, it still represents time missed from learning.
Attendance | Days Missed Per Year |
|---|---|
⭐ 100% | 0 days |
✅ 98% | Around 4 days |
🎯 96% | Around 8 days |
⚠️ 95% | Around 10 days |
⚠️ 90% | Around 19 days |
🚨 85% | Around 29 days |
A student with 90% attendance misses almost a month of school each year.
Small absences quickly add up and can have a significant impact on learning, confidence and achievement.
What Research Says
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) highlights that improving attendance is most successful when schools and families work together. Their evidence-informed guidance identifies several key principles for supporting attendance, including building positive relationships, maintaining routines, addressing barriers early and creating a strong sense of belonging.
Build Strong Relationships
Children are more likely to attend when they feel:
- Known and valued
- Safe and supported
- Connected to staff and friends
- Proud of their achievements
Parents can help by talking positively about school and celebrating effort, progress and participation.
Establish Consistent Routines
Regular routines help attendance become a habit.
Try to:
- Set consistent bedtimes
- Limit screen time before bed
- Prepare uniform and equipment the night before
- Create calm morning routines
- Leave plenty of time for the journey to school
Address Concerns Early
If your child is worried about:
- Friendships
- Learning
- Bullying
- Mental health
- Exams or assessments
- Travelling to school
Please contact us early. Small concerns can often be resolved before they become bigger barriers to attendance.
Encourage Belonging
Students who feel part of their school community are more likely to attend regularly.
Encourage your child to:
- Join clubs and enrichment activities
- Attend trips and events
- Take part in house competitions
- Build positive friendships
- Celebrate their successes
Top Tips for Parents
🌙 The Evening Before
✔ Check uniform is clean and ready
✔ Pack bags and equipment
✔ Complete homework
✔ Set alarms
✔ Encourage a good night's sleep
✔ Discuss plans for the next school day positively
☀️ The Morning Routine
✔ Allow plenty of time to get ready
✔ Encourage breakfast
✔ Avoid rushing where possible
✔ Arrive on time
✔ Start the day positively
📅 Throughout the School Year
✔ Book appointments outside school hours whenever possible
✔ Avoid holidays during term time
✔ Monitor attendance regularly
✔ Communicate concerns early
✔ Celebrate improvements and excellent attendance
Supporting Children Who Are Reluctant to Attend
Many young people experience worries or anxiety at some point during their school journey.
If your child is struggling:
- Listen carefully to their concerns
- Reassure them that support is available
- Maintain routines and expectations
- Contact school as soon as possible
- Work with us to develop strategies and solutions
The sooner concerns are shared, the sooner support can be put in place.
How Stratton School Can Help
Our approach is based on support, understanding and partnership with families.
We can offer:
✅ Attendance mentoring
✅ Pastoral support
✅ SEND support
✅ Safeguarding support
✅ Wellbeing and mental health guidance
✅ Individual attendance plans where required
✅ Early intervention and family engagement
Useful Resources for Families
Evidence and Information
📖 Education Endowment Foundation Attendance Guidance
View Attendance Resources
📖 Department for Education Attendance Guidance
Working Together to Improve School Attendance
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
💚 YoungMinds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
💚 NHS Mental Health Support
https://www.nhs.uk
💚 Childline
https://www.childline.org.uk
💚 Family Lives
https://www.familylives.org.uk