Attendance & Absence

Regular Attendance

Regular attendance at school promotes pupils’ well-being, maximises progress in learning and helps pupils reach their potential. The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure a regular pattern is maintained. One of our basic principles is to celebrate success. Good attendance is fundamental to a successful and fulfilling school experience. It is our duty to promote 100% attendance for all children. For our children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered it is vital that our pupils are at school, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable.

All children have the right to an education and we have put in place appropriate procedures to support this. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school and learning.

Good attendance is important because:

• statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95%
• regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically
• regular attenders find school routines, school work and friendships easier to cope with
• regular attenders find learning more satisfying
• regular attenders are most successful in transferring between primary school, secondary school, higher education and employment or training

Trust Attendance Policy SJG 2023

Sickness Absence

If your child is unwell you should telephone the school office before 9.15am on 01405 762607

If we have not received a message that your child is absent, a member of staff will telephone you to find out where your child is.  This is for your child’s safety and to ensure that we know they are safe, so please be understanding if you receive a call from us.

How to prevent your child from missing school

You can help prevent your child missing school by:

• having a routine from an early age and sticking it to it
• making sure your child understands the importance of good attendance and punctuality
• making sure they understand the possible implications for themselves and you as a parent if they don’t attend
• taking an interest in their education – ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities
• discussing any problems they may have at school and letting their teachers know about anything that is causing concern
• not letting them take time off school for minor ailments or holidays during term time

To avoid disrupting your child’s education, you should arrange (as far as possible), appointments and outings:

• after school hours
• at weekends
• during school holidays