Registration of pupils takes place in every class at The Robert Burns Academy. Parents/carers are most welcome to telephone the school to check up on attendance. Parents/carers must contact the school by 0915 hours on the first day of their child’s absence, explaining the reason for non-attendance. It is important that the school is notified to prevent unnecessary procedures being followed e.g. in extreme circumstances, there may be a need to involve social services or police. The parent/carer should provide a written note on their child’s return to school, confirming the reason for absence. Clearly with no explanation from the parent/carer, the absence is unauthorised.

How to Report an Absence

  • Let the school know in advance if your child is going to be absent.
  • Phone the school on the morning of your child’s absence to explain why your child is off. If you are unable to get through you can email the school. Contact details for the school are at the bottom of each page of our blog
  • Provide your child with a letter explaining why they were absent on their return to school.

Keeping Your Child in School: A Guide for Parents about School Attendance

The Importance of Attendance

  • When a child attends school on a regular basis, they take an important step towards reaching their full potential as they have the greatest opportunity to learn and develop skills.
  • The more time a child spends around other children, the more chance they have of making friends and feeling included which improves their social skills, confidence and self-esteem.

The Role of the Parent

  • Parents are by far the most important influence on children’s lives and learning and it is parents who are responsible for making sure their child is educated.
  • However, where attendance problems occur, the key to successfully resolving these problems is by the parent and the school engaging in conversation.

Attendance Tips for Parents

Lead by Example:

  • Let your child know that you think attending school daily is important.
  • Make sure your child goes to school regularly and on time.
  • Do not provide inappropriate excuses for your child to miss school.
  • Set good examples, enforce rules and speak well of the school and support school staff.
  • Show an interest in your child’s learning and extra-curricular activities.

Establish a Routine:

  • Encourage your child to wash in the evening and prepare clothes/lunches for the next day.
  • Provide regular study times for your child to complete their homework.
  • Ensure a balance between school studies and extra-curricular activities.
  • Establish a regular bedtime schedule to ensure efficient rest.
  • Make sure your child has enough time to arrive at school to avoid any late comings.