Why is Early Years and Childcare Attendance so Important

Good Early Years Attendance = Best Chances of Success

We know it is not statutory in the Early Years and Childcare sector but there are so many good reasons why attendance is so important. Good attendance promotes good outcomes for children.

Regular attendance in the Early Years offers opportunities for children to

• Develop social skills with their peers, make friends and learn how to get on with others.
• Develop their skills and learn through play, this includes early language, reading and maths skills.
• to development of good habits for future school attendance and good attendance and punctuality skills for life.
• Children who attend every planned session develop a feel for the rhythm of the week and gain a sense of security from the regular elements of early years routines.
• Develop a sense of belonging to support developing self-esteem and confidence.
• Grow in emotional resilience and self-regulation skills.

Parents have better opportunities to

• Build a relationship with the early years’ settings, so you can discuss things that may impact on your child’s learning and development, and to be able to celebrate moments of achievement together.
• Discuss concerns with Early years settings which may lead to early identification of needs.
• To find out where you can gain support for yourself or your child. Early years settings have access to information where they can signpost parents to appropriate services when needed.
• Gain support and identify any gaps in your child’s learning and any additional needs they may need further.
• To gain ideas to support your child’s behaviour and learning at home, and different places or activities you could take them to.

Children who regularly miss sessions or are generally late, can frequently experience a sense of having to try a little bit harder just to understand what is going on and what other children are talking about or doing.

What attendance looks like

Below is a useful diagram that shows in days and hours what attendance may look like if a child is on 15 hours funding. There are 190 days in an academic year which leaves 175 unfunded days for holidays, appointments and other fun activities therefore we encourage parents not to make these arrangements during their child’s funded hours. For children who attend an all-year-round provision then parents can take holidays etc. in term time as they can make up the hours at other points in the year.

The diagram is also a reminder of how many hours a child misses when a child has a specific percentage of attendance. So, 95% attendance would mean that a child misses nearly two weeks of early years education which potentially could have an impact on the child’s learning.

Good early years attendance supports children's all-round development. Creating regular home routines along with children attending their regular session on time, will prepare both you and your child for stepping into regular routines for school.

If you have difficulties in attending regularly, or on time, please speak to your childcare provider as they will be happy to offer ideas and support to help give your child the best start in life.