Oldham parents urged to support good school attendance

With evidence highlighting more time in the classroom is linked to a child’s academic achievements, including results at Key Stage, GCSE and A-Level, being in school is key to their future success.

Other links to being in school regularly, include the impact it can have on a child’s general wellbeing, their wider social development and future job prospects.

The council expects all students to have at least 95% attendance each year, although some individual schools expect even higher.

Councillor Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “As parents, guardians and carers we all want the very best for our children. We want to see them reach their full potential and achieve their dreams of being future doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs.

“But we play a vital role in helping them to achieve those aspirations, and this crucially begins with us making sure they are in school learning.

“If they’re not in the classroom, they’re not learning and it’s there where they are getting the vital skills and social experiences they need to progress and develop in the future.

“So as schools reopen this week, let’s get our children back into a routine as we send them to school for another great year of learning ahead.”

Last year, Oldham’s average attendance rate was 94.1% at primary, 91.5% at secondary and 84.6% in special education, with the borough’s secondary rate above the comparable national average and primary just below. The national attendance rate average for all phases was 92.8%.

Any absence from school, for whatever reason, is detrimental to a child’s long-term life opportunities and should be avoided if possible.

However, permitted absences can be granted for exceptional circumstances including if your child is too ill to attend or if they are observing a religious event.

The council and local schools recognise other issues may relate to a child’s absence, including matters relating to their mental and emotional wellbeing.

In this case, parents are advised to contact Oldham CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) where specialist services are available to support children and young people.

Should your child repeatedly fail to attend school outside of the reasons authorised, all schools can fine a pupil who has missed 10 or more sessions (five days).

Under new national rules introduced this August, the fine for school absences across the country will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.

In the case of repeated fines, if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160. 

Fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached, other action like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered. 

If you’re prosecuted and attend court because your child hasn’t been attending school, you could get a fine of up to £2,500. 

For more information on school attendance in Oldham and the penalties involved, please visit www.oldham.gov.uk/SchoolAttendance