Why is regular school attendance important?
“Moments matter. Attendance counts.”
Regular attendance helps children:
- Make better social and academic progress
- Manage routines, school work and friendships
- Find learning more satisfying
- Transition successfully between school phases
- Stay safe during school hours
- Have a commitment to education
The link between attendance and attainment is clear:
In 2018/19, just 40% of persistently absent (PA) children in KS2 achieved expected KS2 standards, compared with 84% of pupils who regularly attended school.
But attendance is important for more than just attainment:
Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
At St Mary’s CE Primary School, we are dedicated to providing all children with a quality education, recognising its role in achieving the best outcomes and raising aspirations.
Attendance Policy on a Page
The full attendance policy can be found on the policy page.
Parental Responsibility
Parents and carers must make sure their children go to school regularly. By law, school-age children must get a full-time education. Not doing so may lead to fines or legal action and can harm their learning, friendships, self-esteem and confidence.
3 P’s for Attendance at St Mary’s CE Primary School
PREVENTION
- Highlight the Importance: Make sure your child understands why good attendance and punctuality matter.
- Stay Engaged: Show interest in their education by discussing schoolwork and encouraging participation in activities.
- Communicate Issues: Talk about any school problems and inform their teacher or the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer about serious concerns.
- Prioritise Attendance: Avoid letting them miss school for minor ailments.
PUNCTUALITY
- Ensure your child arrives to school on time.
Promotion
- Value Education: Encourage your child to make the most of their educational opportunities.
- Importance of Attendance: Irregular attendance disrupts learning, progress, and leads to underachievement.
- Support Success: Ensure your child receives the education they deserve. We want them to succeed as much as you do!
Attendance Rewards
Weekly Attendance of classes above 96%
Attendance cup
Our attendance team
Sarah North/Tracy Roberts – Attendance Champions
Ange Neesham – Learning Mentor/Child and Family Worker
Attendance Officer – EWO (Jennie Graham)
How can I get help with my child’s attendance?
If you are worried about your child’s attendance, start by discussing your concerns with the school directly. The school has an attendance team who may be able to assist. Additionally, we work closely with a range of external agencies who can provide further support if necessary.
What about term time leave?
Family holidays in term time are not allowed in law and are unlikely to be authorised. Family emergencies also need careful consideration. It is not always appropriate or in the best interests of the child to miss school for emergencies which are being dealt with by adult family members. Notifying the school of leave due to a family emergency does not mean it will be authorised.
Please note that where parents fail to ensure their child attends school regularly, legal action, including penalty notices, may be considered.
Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states that as a Parent/carer of a child of statutory school age, you have a legal responsibility to ensure their full time education through regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Attendance expectations and actions
