Ballymena Primary School is committed to the provision of a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment. Within this environment, every child is encouraged to develop their potential, make healthy choices and become a confident, independent learner.

Regular school attendance is crucial in raising standards in education and ensuring that every child can have full access to the school curriculum and reach their potential. Ballymena Primary will strive to promote an ethos and culture which encourages good attendance and where each pupil will feel valued and secure. 

Good attendance at school is not just valuable, it’s essential. Going to school is directly linked to improved exam performance which should in turn lead to further learning opportunities and better job prospects. As well as this, going to school helps to develop:

• friendships
• social skills
• team values
• life skills
• cultural awareness
• career pathways

How to prevent your child from missing school

You can help prevent your child missing school by:

• having a routine from an early age and sticking it to it
• making sure your child understands the importance of good attendance and punctuality
• making sure they understand the possible implications for themselves and you as a parent if they don't go to school
• taking an interest in their education - ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities
• discussing any problems they may have at school and letting their teacher or principal know about anything that is causing concern
• not letting them take time off school for minor ailments or holidays during term time

Absence Procedures

All absences must be explained either prior to, or on the day of the first absence. There are a number of ways this can be done including a note to the teacher, a phone call to the school office (message facility available when phoning out of hours), notification online through Parent Mail or Seesaw. In cases of medical or other appointments these should preferably take place outside of school hours.

To support this we have developed the H.E.R.O. initiative - Here, Every Day, Ready and On Time. Monthly attendance awards are presented during assembly to recognise classes with high attendance, and annual awards are presented at the end of each academic year to recognise those pupils with 100% attendance.

Further guidance can be found on the Department for education website here and the NIDirect website here.

Miss school, miss out - school attendance

Going to school regularly is important for your child's future - if they miss school, they're missing out on so much. Find out more: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/miss-school-miss-out

Miss School, Miss Out !Information regarding school attendance which is available in many languages.