The importance of excellent school attendance
This is a successful school and every child plays their part in making it so. We aim for an environment which enables and encourages all pupils to achieve their potential and aspire to excellence.
For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and every child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless they have an unavoidable reason to be absent. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning.
Absence or late arrival also disrupts daily routines and teaching and so may affect the learning of others in the same class.
Government research shows a direct link between attendance and attainment and good attenders also make better progress socially, learn to work with others, and are better prepared for the transition to secondary school and, eventually, higher education, training and employment.
It is very important therefore that you make sure your child attends regularly and our attendance policy sets out how together we will achieve this. The policy will be applied fairly and consistently and we will always consider the individual needs of pupils, and their families, who have specific barriers to attendance. We will also be mindful of our obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and give consideration to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Our attendance target this year is 97%, but all pupils should strive to achieve 100% attendance if they can.
Absence
If your child is going to be absent, parents/carers must inform school as soon as possible and at the latest by 9.15 am on the first day of absence by calling school on 01257 451114.
If your child is absent and we have not heard from you, we will telephone you on the first day of absence to find out what the reason is and when your child is expected to return. If we are unable to contact you, we will approach your emergency contacts and, if necessary, make a home visit. Please note that such home visits may be unannounced.
If you have no alternative and need to request a leave of absence, please use the form below.
Key Attendance Documents
Policies