Regular attendance at school is not just about academic performance but significantly impacts a child's overall development and lifelong well-being. Our school’s vision is to instil a lifelong love of learning and to give children the strength they need in order to flourish. This can only be achieved when children attend regularly.

Community is at the heart of our school and when children don’t attend they are missed by their friends and teachers.

School provides a structured environment for children to interact with peers and develop essential social and emotional skills, such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication. Fostering a sense of belonging and community. Here are some reasons why it's important:

- Consistent school attendance provides routine, social support, and a sense of purpose, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

- Schools often provide nutritious meals, access to physical education, and health services

- Attending school and being engaged in school activities can help deter children from engaging in risky behaviours.

- Consistent school attendance allows teachers and staff to identify early signs of SEND, behavioural issues, or health concerns.

- Schools provide opportunities for students to learn about health and wellness, including topics like nutrition, hygiene, and healthy relationships.

For more information about why attending school is important for children, visit:

If you think your child may need to stay off school due to an illness, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/ for guidance on what you should do. Also, please feel reassured that if you bring your child in, and they do become too unwell to be here, we will contact you and look after them until you arrive.

Our main aim as a school is to support families to ensure their children’s attendance remains high. We have an open-door policy and always welcome you into school if you feel we can help. By being open and honest with us about any barriers to your child’s attendance, we can work as a team to support your child, enabling them to flourish at St Mary's.

For more information, please see our attendance policy.

https://www.st-mary-ki.dudley.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=191&type=pdf