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Original poster

Attendance Letters Dd Y9

20 replies

abesnt · 09/02/2024 07:46

Dd1 Y9 5 1/2 days off since September.
longest in one go is 2 1/2 days
Attendance 90%

Dd2 y7 2 days off since September.
Attendance 95%

School need to see me about dd1. I've had to phone in today. She's just unwell hot, achey, sore throat. So by today it will be less than 90%.

I sent her in yesterday and said to go see the head of year if she's unwell which they have to do but they can never find her.

I totally understand that school are right to keep on top of it. Obviously it's a slippery slope and how are they to know there isn't some issue which means she's avoiding school.

Plus I know it's the council not necessarily the school.

Also she will be in y10 soon and they don't / we don't want her missing work.

I'm such an anxious person and I'm autistic and I'm dreading going into this meeting.

The longest she's had off is 2 1/2 days.

Nothings been so bad that I've had to take her to the doctors so I don't have any medical proof.

I know it looks like it's 1 day per month but it's not it's mainly 2 lots of 2 days.

She's had rewards for attendance since September.

They both have high achievement points and no negative ones or detentions etc.

But even if they were one to mess about and have behaviour points if they are ill they are ill.

I know they need to have a system. Sending them to HOY first will probably put off the kids who just want to go home but HOY is one person. She's busy at lunch or break and can't be found. So saying go to school and see how you feel is basically saying tough. Once you're at school ill that's it.

How should I feel? Should I make her go? What will happen at this meeting?

Thanks all.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 07:47

how is she doing at school generally?

CandyLeBonBon · 09/02/2024 07:50

I'm in the same boat op. My dd has had all week off because she's coughing her guts up and has a fever. I'm dosing her up but she's still coughing and whilst I could send her in, she'll just get sent home.

I know attendance is important but if she's not well she's not well. It's been a horrible virus and I'm pretty sure neither teacher, other pupils nor their parents want it either?

If they want to send work home I'd gladly supervise her doing it but they won't do that.

I dread the letters too. Unfortunately no advice but just saying you're not alone!

AcridAndStanLee · 09/02/2024 07:55

These letters are automated once attendance reaches a certain point. Speak to the attendance officer, they are really understanding if you explain.

I received the same letter and was concerned but the attendance officer listened to my reasons and as I wasn't saying "she's not coming. I don't care" they were fine about it. She also said they are sent just to make sure the parent knows they have had the time off and the kid isn't pulling a fast one.

They all know illness can knock out a solid attendance rate.

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:00

bestmoment · 09/02/2024 07:47

how is she doing at school generally?

The teachers like her. Say she's polite and friendly. They say she tries. She has friends.

She's dyslexic though so in the bottom sets.

She hates reading.

It's a nightmare getting her to do homework but we do it. I have to basically tell her what to put.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:09

She's dyslexic though so in the bottom sets.

she will not be in the bottom sets because she has dyslexia

is she receiving any support for dyslexia

Mumoftwo1312 · 09/02/2024 08:09

The longest she's had off is 2 1/2 days.

How did the half day work? Did she have to leave at lunchtime, or did you keep her at home for a morning and send her in the afternoon?

It makes a difference. The perception is if she's well enough to be in for the afternoon, you could have sent her in the morning

Mumoftwo1312 · 09/02/2024 08:10

It's a nightmare getting her to do homework but we do it. I have to basically tell her what to put.

Please don't do this... you'll be making the problem worse as she'll get more helpless with it

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:27

CandyLeBonBon · 09/02/2024 07:50

I'm in the same boat op. My dd has had all week off because she's coughing her guts up and has a fever. I'm dosing her up but she's still coughing and whilst I could send her in, she'll just get sent home.

I know attendance is important but if she's not well she's not well. It's been a horrible virus and I'm pretty sure neither teacher, other pupils nor their parents want it either?

If they want to send work home I'd gladly supervise her doing it but they won't do that.

I dread the letters too. Unfortunately no advice but just saying you're not alone!

Aww. I'd understand more if my dd had what yours had but it's literally 2 days of a headache, sore throat. But in my eyes too crappy for school.

Thanks x

OP posts:
Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:28

bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:09

She's dyslexic though so in the bottom sets.

she will not be in the bottom sets because she has dyslexia

is she receiving any support for dyslexia

Oh right. I'm dyslexic and was in the bottom sets. Ok well she's in the bottom sets.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:29

is she receiving support for dyslexia

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:29

Mumoftwo1312 · 09/02/2024 08:09

The longest she's had off is 2 1/2 days.

How did the half day work? Did she have to leave at lunchtime, or did you keep her at home for a morning and send her in the afternoon?

It makes a difference. The perception is if she's well enough to be in for the afternoon, you could have sent her in the morning

She came home as soon as she found someone to call me.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:29

does she enjoy school? happy?

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:32

School have given her overlays.

They say she can have someone read for her during GCSE or have it read through headphones but obviously she will be embarrassed by this.

No she doesn't enjoy school. Do any teenagers? But she's ok going. She has friends etc

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:33

Do any teenagers?

yes, many
it doesn’t sound like she’s receiving enough support

bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:34

abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:29

She came home as soon as she found someone to call me.

Show quote history

a teacher or pupil?

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:36

bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:33

Do any teenagers?

yes, many
it doesn’t sound like she’s receiving enough support

But she isn't feeling well.

She isn't making it up to avoid school.

I notice when she sleeps more, isn't on the phone to friends, not eating, upset.

OP posts:
bestmoment · 09/02/2024 08:38

how is this impacting your work?

Justamother75 · 09/02/2024 08:43

In my DC school policy - illness without proof granted up to three days.

Original poster
abesnt · 09/02/2024 08:45

Justamother75 · 09/02/2024 08:43

In my DC school policy - illness without proof granted up to three days.

Oh really. Does it still count as an absent day? or an authorised absence?

OP posts:
Justamother75 · 09/02/2024 18:05

Considered as authorised absence.

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