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Key facts about attendance and punctuality

• Research shows that children with higher attendance at school achieve better both in their exams and in later life.
• A two-week holiday in term time will automatically drop attendance to 95%, and can have a severe impact on children who might not find learning easy.
• 90% attendance is the equivalent to one month off every school year. Over the four years of junior school, this is the same as missing almost half a school year.
• Children who have persistently poor attendance can suffer more commonly from friendship issues and find it harder to build lasting relationships.
• You can be fined and prosecuted if your child’s attendance becomes a serious issue.
• All children  aged between 5 and 16 are required by law to receive an education, and it is the duty of parents and carers to ensure that they are supported to do so.

​Please remember that authorised absences still count as an absence and will affect your child's attendance percentage.

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‍Impact of attendance

Children must attend school, with the Government setting a target of 96% attendance for primary pupils. How does your child’s attendance measure up? The table below shows how a few days’ absence can lead to significant lost lessons. Research shows that frequent absences can negatively impact a child’s achievement.​

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Attendance concerns

If we have concerns about your child’s low attendance, we will contact you. Each half term, we review attendance and will reach out to parents if it falls below 90%, which is considered 'persistent absence' by the Government. We may also invite you to meet with the Head of School and our Attendance officer, to discuss any barriers to improving attendance.

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Improving punctuality and attendance together

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​In school we encourage everyone to do their very best to come to school every day and on time.

​What we will do:

• Promote the importance of attendance and punctuality with our pupils through our learning, and during assemblies
• Expect regular attendance and commitment to school activities if your child is going to be asked to represent the school, for example, sporting fixtures and music performances
• Tell you about your child’s attendance during parents’ meetings and through your child’s annual report
• Work closely with parents/carers where a child’s absence/punctuality is a cause for concern
• Support our pupils to achieve excellent attendance and punctuality
• Support children and their families to return to school after a prolonged absence

What you can do:

• Ensure your child is getting enough sleep - children of primary school age need around 10 to 12 hours a night. This will make the following day at school easier for them.
• Help your child develop routines for homework/reading/bedtime.
• Encourage children to get their schoolbag ready the night before.
• Having breakfast helps children stay alert at school.
• Where possible, try to make sure that any medical/dental appointments are made for after school or during the school holidays.
• Talk positively about school and coming to school

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