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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think that these attendance things are really stupid?

70 replies

Pyjamaramadrama · 11/05/2015 17:31

Every week in the newsletter the attendance percentages are published by class.

The class with the best attendance are always congratulated and the worst are always asked to try harder next time.

Then there's always a message asking children and parents to try really hard.

Wtaf are we trying really hard to do? Not get ill? To go to school even when ill?

This is primary school, surely attendance is completely out of children's control.

If parents are the type to keep the kids off for no reason then surely that needs addressing on an individual basis as a note in the newsletter will make little difference.

That's not to mention the ridiculously extravagant prize they put up at the end of the year for good attendance.

OP posts:

ltk · 13/05/2015 07:35

Our ht hands out the awards. He always refers to the winners as the "healthiest" class and wishes others good health in the coming week. At least he's being honest! He combines it with messages of how important it is to come to school, so I respect the compromise.

Pispcina · 13/05/2015 07:39

What VelvetRose said. Totally concur.

The present epidemic of Attendance Awards is madness.

ltk · 13/05/2015 07:39

And as others have said, he can't just drop the damn things because OFSTED will have him done for.

Pispcina · 13/05/2015 07:40

I've actually noticed a reluctance in teachers to contact me if my child says he is unwell at school.

Ketchuphidestheburntbits · 13/05/2015 07:42

I know someone who's child became a school refuser after a bout of illness because their DC became worried about missing school and everyone hating them as a result. CAHMS became involved and the child was off school for months due to severe anxiety.

VelvetRose · 13/05/2015 07:51

My own dd got in a state about this too Ketchup, terrified of being off and being blamed for not getting the "attendance trophy"! I think it's appalling.

hackmum · 13/05/2015 08:00

Goldmandra's story made me feel really sad. How horrible and unthinking of the school.

I think there must be a better way. Don't know what it is, though.

shrunkenhead · 13/05/2015 08:03

As previously mentioned it does prepare them for the real world of work where you can't just take days off for colds/headaches and if you frequently did then your job would be on the line. Sometimes we all feel a bit rough but have to get on with it. Appreciate this doesn't apply to serious illnesses/contagious chicken pox etc.

Pispcina · 13/05/2015 08:05

As previously mentioned it does prepare them for the real world of work where you can't just take days off for colds/headaches and if you frequently did then your job would be on the line.

Well in that case we may as well start charging them rent.

ivykaty44 · 13/05/2015 08:09

Sick children are naughty children and need to be punished, terrible dickensean attitude

Goldmandra · 13/05/2015 08:14

As previously mentioned it does prepare them for the real world of work

I don't think five year olds need to be prepared for the 'real' world of work. They are in the real world of childhood where their parents make decisions about their well being and they go out every day to get an education, not earn a living.

Pispcina · 13/05/2015 08:16

Goldmandra

VelvetRose · 13/05/2015 08:16

I guess it depends. If you're a parent who swings the lead or your kids are then maybe it's a helpful incentive. If not it's very annoying!

VelvetRose · 13/05/2015 08:17

Agreed Goldmandra and anyway even in work you take time off when you're ill.

pieceofpurplesky · 13/05/2015 09:07

Gold we are not just talking about five year olds though.
Awards work at high school, it cuts days off for those that just bubble under targets. Those with really low attendance will be dealt with by pastoral lead and educational welfare. These target the 15 year olds who take the odd Friday off because they have double maths, the kids who take a day off when the latest COD OR GTA comes out, the girls who have days off every month for period pain ... In my school attendance is linked to being able to attend the prom. People with genuine illness and reasons are exempt but those who have a lot of odd days off have to show improvement.
Why? Because every reference I fill in (and it's a lot) asks me about attendance. Children / teenagers - need to learn this.

hackmum · 13/05/2015 09:19

Goldmandra: "I don't think five year olds need to be prepared for the 'real' world of work. They are in the real world of childhood."

Well said! Apart from which, people do take time off work with bad colds, at least in the offices I've worked in - no-one likes someone coming in and spreading their horrible cold/cough germs round the office.

pieceofpurplesky · 13/05/2015 09:23

But hack kids stay off school with much much less - nobody is saying go in when genuinely ill - but having a day off at 15 because you are tired is very different to 5!

Pispcina · 13/05/2015 10:50

Secondary is a TOTALLY different situation where the children actually have a choice.

Primary, they don't. I don't care what they do about attendance at secondary, well within reason, as it's actually got a point to it, ie they are old enough to decide for themselves and control whether they attend or not.

Goldmandra · 13/05/2015 11:16

I think a system in a secondary school that is reasonable, i.e. the target is good attendance, not 100% attendance, and includes adjustments for pupils with chronic medical conditions/disabilities is more appropriate.

In primary it is, at best, ridiculous and, at worst, harmful and discriminatory.

shrunkenhead · 13/05/2015 11:38

It depends where you work...Some places don't look favourably on employees taking time off for minor ailmemts, and not everyone works in an office.

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