Attendance and Punctuality

It is important that your child gets to school on time and aims for 100% attendance!

The Education Regulations 1991 (Pupils' Attendance Records)

The above regulations require the school to keep very detailed records concerning pupils' attendance and to publish data. We are pleased with our pupils' attitude towards school attendance and we are sure you will assist the school in maintaining this positive approach. The regulations are more concerned with non-attendance than attendance, and non-attendance falls into two categories: authorised and unauthorised.

Authorised Absence

Authorised absence is absence for a valid reason. This includes circumstances for which leave has been granted such as sickness, medical and dental appointments, educational visits or death in the immediate family. This list is not definitive and there may be other events which fall into this category.

This list is not intended to promote authorised absence as we would expect medical and dental appointments to be arranged outside the school day. A copy of any appointment letter or card should be sent to school. A note is required if a child is to leave school during the day for any reason, e.g. medical or dental appointments. All children must, on these occasions, be collected from the school building. Please report to the Office.

Please note, current policies do not allow holidays during the time school is in session. If you do need to request some time out of school for your child, please write to the Headteacher requesting leave of absence. In the majority of cases, such leave will not be granted.

Unauthorised Absence

Unauthorised absence is unjustified absence. This is absence as a result of premeditated or spontaneous action on the part of the pupil, parent or both. Schools are required to keep attendance registers which record the nature of absence. All absences, therefore, must be supported by a letter of explanation by a parent or guardian. Such evidence will not necessarily result in the absence being authorised.

School Attendance Letter August 2024

Attendance Reward Scheme

Our school’s attendance reward scheme encourages pupils to attend regularly and be punctual. The clas with the best attendance over a term from each phase is awarded a prize as a special acknowledgement of their commitment. Being on time is part of our broader expectations, which also include other behaviours  and expectations that contribute towards earning Class Dojo points in class, motivating pupils to maintain excellent attendance and punctuality throughout the year.

Lost Learning Due to Poor Attendance

The chart below identifies the possible amount of lost learning due to poor attendance. How does your child compare?

Frequent absence can add up to a considerable amount of lost learning and can seriously disadvantage your child in adult life.