main content Spike says every school day counts in Bromley

There are 190 days in each school year and attending every one, and being on time, is vital for the borough’s school children. That’s the message being promoted by Spike, Bromley Council’s new helper with its School Attendance Strategy.

Spike say’s

“Don’t be a fool and skip school. Be like me I love it, it’s cool”

Bromley is committed to making sure that every child has the chance to enjoy and achieve and attending every school day is vital if children are to thrive and achieve their full potential. While attendance across Bromley’s schools is generally good, it could be better, so it’s essential that parents and carers understand the potential impact of allowing their children to take unauthorised absences from school.

Holidays taken in term time can have a significant effect. A two-week holiday taken in term time means that the highest attendance a child can achieve is less than 95%. Even minutes count! Being 15 minutes late each school day is the same as missing two weeks of school.

Promoting a ‘full attendance’ culture and good time keeping is Spike’s aim and he will be telling that to parents and children across Bromley. He has more than words to offer too, as he believes that all children should be rewarded for good attendance. A range of attractive, low-cost incentives can be earned by children who make every school day count. This could include Spike branded stationery and other school items.

Welcoming Spike to Bromley, Councillor Ernest Noad, Executive Cabinet Member for Children and Young People says

“Primary education is the bedrock on which children build their future. It is, quite literally, of primary importance and in no way secondary to a child’s later education. Without good attendance at Primary level the child’s later attainment is likely to be reduced. Without those achievements a young persons life chances can be severely affected”

ENDS

Note to Editor 

Good attendance means being in school at least 95% of the time.

• There are 190 schooldays in each year.
• Spike will be piloted for three years across 12 of Bromley’s primary schools.
• Each school will manage the incentive scheme and reward good attendance with small gifts and prizes. 

All children will benefit, even those who already have good attendance. 

For media enquiries, please email john.skillicorn-aston@bromley.gov.uk or call 020 8313 4310