Attendance
Belonging but missing out
Attendance Matters at Oxford Road Community School
We know how important it is for children to attend school every day. Regular attendance builds a stable routine, helping children feel safe and secure—and children who feel safe learn more effectively.
Our school is a community, and when children miss school, they miss out. Every day counts. Good attendance is key to helping every child thrive and reach their full potential.
How We Support Attendance
We work closely with families to address any attendance concerns promptly and sensitively. Our Attendance Support Worker collaborates with senior staff to ensure a community-led approach that supports every child.
For full details, please see our Attendance Policy, which sets out our expectations and explains how we manage absences:
Attendance letter to all parents
Strategies for Managing School Avoidance
If you feel you would like to discuss your child's attendance, we would be more than happy to discuss this with you. Please book an appointment via the school office.
Why Attendance Matters
There are 190 school days in a year. Missing just a few days can have a big impact on learning. Here’s what different attendance levels mean:
|
|
|
190 School Days in Total |
No. of lessons missed |
No. of days absent |
No. of weeks absent |
|
Expected |
100% attendance |
190 days |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
96% attendance |
180 days |
50 lessons |
10 days |
2 weeks |
|
|
Concerned |
95% attendance |
179 days |
55 lessons |
11 days |
Over 2 weeks |
|
90% attendance |
171 days |
95 lessons |
19 days |
Nearly 4 weeks |
|
|
Worried |
89% attendance |
169 days |
105 lessons |
21 days |
Over 4 weeks |
|
85% attendance |
161 days |
145 lessons |
29 days |
Nearly 6 weeks |
Every Day Counts
Even a few absences can add up. Good attendance = better learning, stronger friendships, and more opportunities.
Support for Parents – Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
The attached document has been developed to support parents and carers whose child is finding it hard to come to school. Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is when a child does not want to attend school because of worries, fears, or anxiety. The guidance shares simple ideas and reassurance for families, along with how school can help. By working together, we can support children to feel safer, happier, and more confident about coming to school.