• Low attendance means a lower chance of getting into further education and employment
• Good attendance means higher grades and better chances in life
• Missing the odd day can become a habit
• Every lesson in school matters and if you have time off you may find it difficult to catch up
• Absences for medical appointments should be requested as far in advance as possible and your parents/carers should try to make routine appointments (for example dental check ups) during school holidays or after school hours


• Holidays in term-time can seriously affect your education and your parents/carers should organise these in your school holidays
• School is a great place to have fun and make new friends and it can give you improved confidence
  
  
  
  
• There is a strong link between non-attendance and street crime and/or substance abuse
• Attending school improves your health!  It encourages good social skills and the ability to create friendships and will also help you physically through regular exercise
• Lateness equals lost learning
• Five minutes every day adds up to over three days lost each year

If you would like to talk to someone about attendance, or any other related issues, speak to the attendance officer at your school or call the Children and Families Education Support Service on 0191 424 9936.

More information about national regulation and legislation around school attendance can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/schoolattendance

Thank you to pupils and staff at Mortimer Community College for their help with photography.