Attendance / Absence

Click here to view our attendance policy.

It is a statutory duty for parents to ensure that children attend school.  In primary school, some children miss, on average, three weeks of school per year. That is half a year of school by the end of year 6.  Consequently, the government has put strict restrictions on schools with regard to the level of absence tolerated, and all attendance must be regularly monitored and schools must answer for their data to the local authority and Ofsted.

Head Teachers cannot authorise holidays.  Please note that the Department of Education has now authorised the issue of Fixed Penalty Notices for single event absences of at least 5 consecutive school days or more where these absences are unauthorised because they are neither exceptional nor unavoidable. Previously, there had to be evidence of historical absence but this is no longer the case and has been implemented nationally with effect from 19th August 2024.

As a result of such monitoring requirements, we have developed an attendance monitoring system which is explained in the attendance policy.

We know that every child’s attendance can dip at certain times in their school career.  It is our job to monitor this, talk to you and offer support or to enforce the statutory duty afforded us by the Government if this is needed.  The letters and meetings are meant as support and assurance for both sides.

Receiving a full-time education will give your child the best possible start in life.  Attending school regularly and punctually is essential if children are to make the most of the opportunities available to them. Government research estimates that 17 missed school days a year = 1 GCSE grade DROP in achievement.

What do you need to do for your child

• Encourage good time-keeping habits and ensure that your child arrives at school on time. Please note – if your child arrives at school after the register has closed (9.05am) without an authorised reason, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session.
• If your child has to miss school it is VITAL that you let the school know why. This is essential and should be before the start of the day. Please leave a message if no one answers your call. If we do not have a reason for non-attendance, we may pay a visit to your home.
• If there is a problem with your child attending school, please talk to us. Usually, any issues can be dealt with quickly and easily.

Authorised and Unauthorised absences

Most absences for acceptable reasons will be authorised:

• Sickness – If your child has had vomiting and/or diarrhoea, they should be kept off school for 48 hours since the last bout of sickness/diarrhoea.
• Medical or dental appointments – It would be appreciated if you could arrange such appointments for before/after school if possible. If unavoidable, then confirmation of the appointment should be sent to the school to be added to your child’s records.
• Days of religious observance
• Exceptional family circumstances

The Headteacher will not authorise absences for:

• Shopping trips
• Day trips
• Holidays
• Birthdays
• Looking after relatives who are ill

Attendance changes due to illness or other absence may initiate a letter informing you of your child’s current attendance percentage. Declining attendance will automatically prompt a letter reminding you about the importance of attendance and, if necessary, an offer of support. Continued attendance concerns will lead to a request to meet with the Headteacher so that we can work together to see an improvement.

Non-collection of Children

Please see attached documents to the right of the page, for information regarding the non-collection of children.