I have made this petition and I am finding it very difficult to understand the school system around attendence. I have a few examples I would like to share. 

Child gets poorly, very poorly a nasty virus that makes them bed bound for a week. Gp and hospital visits gets diagnosed with a unknown nasty virus thats apparently doing the rounds. 

Goes back to school not 100% but a lot better and has a some energy back. Has an injury at school during pe another day off. 

Next week playing outside bangs head and needs stitches another two days off. 

The child has always had near to 100% attendence and these were just freak accidents that unfortunately happend in a very small period of time. 

After this back to school everyday as usual. Trying to rebuild attendence back up. 

Result; constant calls from the school letting me know attendence was lower then they would like. I Have been transparent and honest the whole time. Constant emails letters threw the door letting me know. 

Also notified child is not allowed to school trip and end of term treat as attendence is below 96%

Child is confused and says "mummy im always good at school why cant I go"?

Absolutely devastating!

So what do I want to do on the days they have to watch/think/listen to all of their friends having all the fun?? Well I want to give them the day off!!

As much as I am not keen on keeping children home when there well enough to go to school why should I send them in? Why should they lose out and be punished for something out of their control?

I am sure there are lots of parents that have been in similar situations and for lots of other reasons! It needs to stop it just does not sit right! I understand attendence is important but it should not be the main focus and has left kids questioning whats the point?

Let's reward good behaviour, good attitude towards school, kindness and respect for others. Let the child get ill and not get punished for it!