Why is good attendance at school important?

Missing a few days of school here and there may not seem a big deal, but research shows that it can have a significant impact on children's learning.

Children who miss a substantial amount of school fall behind their peers, and struggle to catch up.

Most of the work they miss is never made up, which can lead to big gaps in their learning.

Poor attendance often starts at primary school, and children who fall into this pattern are likely to underachieve at secondary school. Pupils who miss between 10 and 20% of school (that’s 19 to 38 days per year) stand only a 35% chance of achieving five or more good GCSEs, compared to 73% of those who miss fewer than 5% of school days.

Friendships can be affected by persistent absence too; it can be hard for a child who misses lots of school to form relationships with their classmates.

Getting your children to school safely, regularly and on time is vital.

1. Always make school a priority.
2. Being on time is vital, so your child is not playing catch up, having missed an important part of the lesson.
3. We know that it is cheaper to go on holiday in term time, but it will not be authorised, you may be fined and your child will fall behind.

Helpful information.

What can we do to improve attendance?

• Have a regular bedtime.
• Get things ready the night before.
• Record programmes to watch the next day.
• Get your child their own alarm clock. 
• Have a quiet time before bed, turn off the TV, computer and mobile phone.

Parents can help by

• Keeping in touch with school about any absence. Communication is important.
• Make medical/dental appointments outside of school hours when possible.

What is persistent absence?

The government has stated that if a pupil's attendance falls below 90%, they are deemed to be a "persistently absent" pupil.  You will be required to attend an attendance meeting if your child falls below 90%.

Parental Responsibilities.

If your child is between 5 and 18, you must make sure he/she attends school regularly. This is the law, and you can be taken to court for breaking this law.

(section 444 of the Education Act 1996)

What is an authorised absence?

Parents and carers can explain an absence, but they cannot authorise it. Only the school can decide whether an explanation about an absence is acceptable and can be authorised. For persistent absence due to illness, the school will insist on a doctor's note, appointment card or proof of medication.

What do i do if my child is ill.

If your child is genuinely ill, then, of course, they need to remain at home. Please contact the school office or leave a message on our 24-hour answer phone service. Please leave the reason for absence, unwell is not sufficient. If you are unsure whether your child can attend school, please contact your doctor or speak to the school office.  You must call the school EACH day that your child is absent, unless they have a long-term condition which has been discussed with the school.  

School details.

Telephone number 0118 9375450 or email admin@churchendacademy.com.

For any help or support, please email: C.baines@churchendacademy.com and Mrs Baines will gladly offer any help she can.

If a referral has been made on the Autism Assessment pathway,  you are then be able to access support from the Berkshire West Autism and ADHD service https://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/berkshire-west-autism-adhd-support-service/

• Autism Berkshire.

NHS Rashes in babies and children

ChatHealth

cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/

Text a school nurse for confidential advice and support.

Our Chat Health text messaging service puts you directly in touch with a member of the health visiting or school nursing teams for advice and information. You don't need to give your name and you'll be able to get confidential advice and information straight to your phone, about any concerns you might have about the health of your baby or child.

This service is available to those who live in Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.

Parents and carers of children aged 0-5

Perhaps you have some worries about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, child development, toileting, sleep, behaviour, parenting, food and nutrition, or their health. Text us and we'll help you.

Text 07312 263283

If you need to make or change an appointment, please contact your local health visiting team.

This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting Service. Please use your normal method of contact.

If you're the parent or carer of a 5-19 year old

If you’re a parent or carer of a 5-19 year old and have worries about any issues with your child such as sleep, behaviour, bullying, parenting, healthy eating, bedwetting, dealing with medical conditions in school, emotional health and wellbeing... we’re here to support you. This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.

Text 07312 263194

If you're aged 11-19

If you’re aged 11-19 and need some advice, you can text a school nurse in total confidence. It could be that you have worries about issues such as relationships, healthy eating, drugs and alcohol, anxiety, stress, low mood, bullying, self-harm, body changes, dealing with medical conditions at school, smoking or sleep.

Text 07312 263266
 

We’ll never share the information you give us, unless we are really concerned about your safety, but we’ll usually speak to you first. Your messages are stored and can be seen by other health care staff who follow the same confidentiality rules. We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm we have received your text. Texts will only be seen between Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. If you need help before you hear back from us contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111. Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some 'number masking' mobile apps). To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text STOP to our number. Messages are charged at your usual rates. 

• Autism Berkshire. We are the leading autism charity in Berkshire and deliver quality specialist services, training and social and leisure activities throughout the county.

• National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society has a wealth of information on a variety of topics. For those of you interested in autism in girls, they also have an on-demand learning module written by autistic women.

• Reading IASS Reading Information, Advice and Support for SEND.

• Parenting Special Children Specialist support for Berkshire Families who have children and Young People with Special Needs.

• SEND Local Offer This is a comprehensive guide to local information for all Reading residents.

For any enquiries please email admin@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk 

As adults there are many positives to using social media, but also many negatives. We often struggle with the negatives, it is even harder for children and young people to navigate these things when they are exposed to them.

Facts.

1. Children face increased social problems, loneliness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and heightened aggression as a result of excessive screen time. (Public Health England 2014)
2. A very high percentage of university students are addicted to their phones. This can lead to problems with sleep, depression, anxiety and sometimes suicide. The addiction is higher than those addicted to alcohol, and drugs.
3. Young people “want to feel connected” yet often it does the opposite.
4. Lots of people don’t engage with what they see they just passively scroll. This leaves people disheartened and often negatively comparing their life to that of others they see on line but don’t always know.
5. Many influencers are giving their opinion or being paid to promote something.
6. Children will often play up to get their parents attention if they are absorbed in their phones.

Tips for digitally healthy households.

1. The younger the child, the more support they will need.
2. Extra support and guidance may be needed at certain ages. e.g. 10-13.
3. Promote fun non-technological activities.
4. Stay alert for any signs of inappropriate use of devices – who are they chatting to, what are they saying?
5. Switch devices off at night and at least an hour before bedtime.
6. Work out rules together, then everyone needs to respect them.
7. Know there are positives and negatives.
8. Have regular family digital detox.

The online world is not going away and children cannot be shielded from it. The challenge and opportunity for us all is to make it as safe as possible. Help teach children to use technology well and age appropriately. Not as a passive tool to become disheartened or be unkind to others, but positively to promote good.

Remove friends or posts that result in negative feelings

Children under the age of 13 should not be using TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram.

If you need any further information please email c.baines@churchendacademy.com

The Safer Internet Centre has produced a page dedicated to mitigating harm for those engaging in livestreaming, where individuals communicate to a live audience. To find out more please follow the link below:  LIVESTREAMING INFORMATION

Understanding Fortnite Since its release in 2017, the battle-royale simulator, Fortnite, has become infamous. The game, which features cartoonish renderings of characters, bright colours and consequence-free violence, has had a mass appeal to children. There is not a school pupil in the country who hasn’t owned it, begged their parents for it or played it round a friend’s house. As a result, more children than ever are exposed to multi-player chatting with strangers, and financial exploitation via the game’s spend-to-gain-advantage operating style. Allowing children to use real world money to gain perks and costumes. From criminal blackmailing, to the coercion of nude exchanges by online ‘friends’ posing as children, the danger this game presents from a safeguarding perspective is clear. Internetmatters.org has published a guide to understanding the game and its terms. Please follow the link to find out more: Fortnite Information for Parents A Guide to Online Safety and Gaming It is more important than ever to make your children aware of how to stay safe online. The South West Grid for Learning has published a pamphlet on how to best keep safe whilst using online software and games. With advice on reporting and blocking, online socialisation and the considerations on online gaming, the pamphlet can be a useful help and advice.   Online Safety and Gaming Booklet

Second hand uniform sale.

Churchend Primary Academy runs a second-hand uniform sale every half-term. All items are washed and in good condition. 

If you need help with uniform, please contact Mrs Baines through the school office.

Things to try in the holidays.

• Tie-Dye a shirt or some socks.
• Make a den in the garden
• Have a water fight.
• Stargaze
• Have a picnic.
• Visit someone you have not seen for a long time.
• Read a book
• Find a new hobby.
• Go to the beach.
• Make home made playdough.
• Try finger painting.
• Go to the library.
• Fly a kite.
• Visit a museum. 
• Camp in the garden.
• Plant some flowers.
• Do a scavenger hunt.
• Do some random acts of kindness. 
• Make slime.
• Make cookies and take them to a neighbour.
• Go for a bike ride.
• Bury a time capsule.
• Start a gratitude journal.
• Have a games night