Lateness can be a problem for many school. "So what is my child is sometimes late for school - does it matter that much?"

Take a few seconds to read this and wee what you think!

School is usually the first place where children are made aware of the importance of regular timekeeping.

Arriving early will boost your child's confidence for the day, and set them in the right frame of mind for learning and achievement.

If a child arrives late the whole class is disrupted and the teacher has to repeat the same things over and over again-losing valuable teaching time.

Punctuality and good attendance will always be important—at school now and later at work.

Help to make sure your child is given a good start in life by coming to school regu/arly and on time.

• Overslept
• Late Night
• School clothes unprepared
• Preparing breakfast for themselves or others
• Dawdling on the way to school
• Calling for friends
• Stopping off at the shops

Now for the legal bit:

In UK, if your child is late after registration it is classed as an unauthorised absence and as such:

Section 444 of the Education Act, 1996 says:

"If a child of compulsory school age, who is a registered pupil at a school, fails to attend regularly at the school, his/her parent is guilty of an offence."

If the reasons given for your child's irregular school attendance are not satisfactory, then the Education Welfare Service may take legal proceedings against you for failure to comply with the Law. This may result in:

• A Fixed Penalty Notice payable up to £100 fine
• Prosecution under s444 (I) Education Act 1996, where if convicted you may be fined up to £1000

Prosecution under s444 (l)(a) Education Act 1996, where if convicted you may be fined up to £2500 and/ or 12 weeks imprisonment.

Considering all this - Does it matter?