91% Sounds Like An A Grade: The Letter Still Says 'Persistent'

"Your child's attendance is currently 91%." It sounds like an A grade — so why does the letter say "persistent"? A teacher and a document-reader translate the statutory attendance guidance for the person it was never written to: what 10% actually means, when you do and don't need a doctor's note, how the term-time-holiday fine really works, and the list of support a child with SEND or anxiety is entitled to before any letter turns legal.

Source: DfE — Working together to improve school attendance (statutory guidance, July 2026) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance

Both voices on this show are synthesised; the research, reading and editorial judgement are done by a serving practitioner.

Strand: Parents & Carers