Attendance Support
Barriers to Attendance
Whilst any child may occasionally have time off school because they are too unwell to attend, sometimes they can be reluctant to attend school. Any barriers preventing regular attendance are best resolved between school, parents, and the child. If you thinks your child is reluctant to attend school, then we will work with you to understand the root problem and provide any necessary support.
Some children face greater barriers to attendance than their peers. These can include children who suffer from long-term medical conditions or who have special educational needs and disabilities, or other vulnerabilities. High expectations of attendance remain however, we will work with families and children to support improved attendance whilst being mindful of the additional barriers faced. We can discuss reasonable adjustments and additional support from external partners where appropriate.
Department for Education Guidance
The Department for Education's Guidance on the process for supporting improved attendance is very clear. It believes the key to successfully treating the root causes of absence and removing barriers to attendance, at home and in school, requires schools and local partners to work collaboratively with, not against families, as outlined below:
Support at Christ Church
At Christ Church, we understand that sometimes it can be more difficult to get your child to school for a number of reasons that we would like to help you with. We offer the following support network to assist our families:
- A SeeSaw message home on the first day of absence
- A phone call from the Attendance Officer to all named contacts
- Home visits from the Attendance Officer
- ELSA and Family Partnership support for families and children
- Staged letters home outlining the importance of maintaining good attendance
- Support meetings with the Locality Attendance Officer (and outside agencies where necessary) if attendance falls below 90%
Family Toolbox
Family Toolbox is Wirral council's comprehensive service offering support and resources to all families across the Wirral. If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, they can offer tips, help and advice, as well as connecting you with services and agencies which can support you to find the underlying reasons for your child's reluctance to attend school. For further information and support, please click the image to the right.
Wirral Attendance Service
Wirral’s Attendance Service seeks to ensure that every child receives the maximum benefit from the education opportunities provided. They work in partnership with children and young people, parents and carers, school staff and other agencies to achieve this. For further information and support, please click the image to the left.
Contact Details:
Parents who are concerned about their child’s school attendance should contact us on 0151 666 3433
Opening Hours:
Office hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
