To think that school attendance affects a school's rating?

[ohflipit]

I know when a child's attendance slips below 85% the school has to report it to the Education Welfare Officer, but does it affect the school's Ofsted or any other rating?

We found the school to be very sympathetic with my child's SEN issues right up until the point attendance went below 85%. Then they just wanted them in school regardless of their mental health / SEN problems even if it meant them spending the day sat mostly out of the classroom.

Or am I just being cynical?

Yes it does
A school is downgraded or can't get the top level with attendance below a certain level

Yes and no.

As a parent who has decided to enroll their child at a school, you have a legal obligation to have them present every day unless there is a significant reason medically that they cannot be there. The school and local authority have a legal obligation to ensure that you are doing this and enforce the mandatory attendance, even if they personally agree with your reason for the child not being present.

When schools are inspected, attendance as an overall is looked at and then individual 'cause for concern' students are looked at. A judgement made as to whether or not the school is meeting its legal duty or whether they are 'letting' parents 'get away with it'.

All this was put in place as a safeguarding measure: it ensures children have access to education and limits the opportunities for abusive parents/households to hide their abuse of a child. However, as a side consequence, you get the pressure put on parents who are keeping their child off for valid reasons, even if the staff actually agree with them on a personal level.

It's not a question of cynicism - it's perfectly transparent and open that schools are scrutinised on their attendance, including by Ofsted. With Ofsted, they wont just say '94% so you can't get Outstanding' - they will be looking at how the school tackles low attendance, as much as the figure. That's why schools have to write letters and document everything.