'My son said he could only be ill on the weekend - that really worried me'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA former teacher and dad-of-two has blasted schools for awarding kids for perfect attendance. Nathan Burns, now an education consultant, said giving certificates to children who do not miss a day of school causes other youngsters stress and does not actually tackle the issue of absenteeism.
The 27-year-old shared his views on social media after his son, aged six, said he could not take a day off school, even if he was sick, because he needed to win the attendance award in assembly at the end of term.
Nathan said it did not make sense to offer rewards to primary school kids for going to school every day because they were not in control of their attendance. READ NEXT: Children starting school 'still in nappies and using buggies' Nathan, from Nottingham, said: "I was really shocked to hear him say he couldn't even take a sick day, his attendance is high.
He said he could only be ill on the weekends, that really worried me. "I know attendance in school is crucial, and awards can be an effective way of achieving results, but this really is a step too far.
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