Attendance Matters
As we continue to recover from the disruption to children’s education caused by the pandemic, it is now more important than ever that children’s attendance is good or better. Every second in school counts, as missing school, whether by being late or taking unnecessary days off, creates more new learning gaps which need to be addressed. The best way you can support your child to recover from the lost school time of recent years is to ensure they are in school and ready to learn every day.
We want every child's attendance to be good or better. This means 96%+.
The Department for Education (DfE) is very clear that:
- Children must attend school regularly to achieve their full potential.
- Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Family holidays, cheaper travel arrangements, or overlapping with siblings’ schedules are not considered exceptional circumstances.
If you wish to request a leave of absence, this must be done a minimum of two weeks advance by completing a leave of absence request form, available from the school office or website. Each request will be considered individually, but approval can only be given in exceptional circumstances.
New National Guidance (September 2024):
- Where a pupil has 10 or more sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a 10-school-week period, schools are now required to refer this to the Local Authority.
- This may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) being issued.
- One school day equals two sessions (morning and afternoon).
Updated Fine Levels:
- £80 if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days.
- The fine amount increases for each further FPN issued to the same parent for the same child within a 3-year period.
- Parents may receive separate fines for each child if more than one is affected.
- Fines per parent will be capped to two or more fines within any three year period. Once this limit has been reached, other actions like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered.
We ask for your support in ensuring your child attends school every day unless they are genuinely unwell. Consistent attendance is vital to help your child make good progress and to support their social and emotional development.
If you have any questions about attendance or the new national guidance, please contact the school office.
Policy linked: Attendance Policy.pdf
