Why attendance at primary school matters
Children learn best when they build knowledge step by step, every day. Cognitive science tells us that memories form when children think deeply and connect new knowledge to what they already know. When a child misses school, the “small steps” in this learning journey get gaps—like missing blocks in a Jenga tower. These gaps make it harder for new ideas to stick. Research shows that strong memory comes from repetition, practice and revisiting important learning over time. Every day in primary school lays a vital block for the years ahead. Children get one chance at this. Every day matters.
Our curriculum is built on brain science
Cognitive science shows that learning happens when we move information from working memory into long‑term memory, and this only happens through repeated, meaningful engagement with ideas. Prof Daniel Willingham explains that “memory is the residue of thought” — children remember what they think about and revisit often. This is why our curriculum is carefully sequenced into small steps that build securely over time.
Small steps build strong knowledge – like a Jenga tower
Each lesson connects to the last. This helps children link new information to what they already know which cognitive psychology identifies as essential for durable learning.
When children miss school, the Jenga tower gets gaps. Even a short absence can interrupt the chain of understanding, making future lessons less secure.
Knowledge begets knowledge
Research shows that long‑term memory grows when children repeatedly connect new ideas to existing ones. The more children know, the easier it becomes to learn even more. But this only works when children are present for the carefully planned steps designed to build and strengthen these connections.
Repetition and revisiting help learning stick
Willingham’s cognitive model highlights that learning requires practice over time—not a single exposure.
When pupils are absent, they miss the rehearsal and revisiting that help knowledge move into long‑term memory. This makes learning less stable, just like removing pieces from the Jenga tower.
Why absences create bigger problems than they seem
A missed day isn’t just a lost day—it creates:
- Gaps in essential building blocks, leading to shaky foundations.
- Fewer opportunities to connect new ideas to what children already know.
- Reduced long‑term memory, because key learning isn’t revisited at the right time.
The early years are the foundation layers
Nursery and Reception create the first layers of knowledge. These are crucial for the learning that follows in Years 1 and 2. From Years 3–6, children build the essential knowledge that prepares them for secondary school. Missing learning at any point makes later learning significantly harder.
One chance at a free primary education
Children only get one chance to build this tower properly. Their future learning depends on strong foundations, built day by day. Every lesson, every sequence, every revisit strengthens their understanding.
Every day matters. And your child matters every day.
Peter Dunmall