Ensuring High Attendance The link between school attendance and academic achievement is clear. National data shows that pupils with the highest attendance achieve the best outcomes. Missing even small amounts of time from school can have a significant impact on your child’s learning. For example:

A pupil who falls to 90% attendance is classified as “persistently absent” – and the evidence tells us that persistent absence can dramatically lower attainment at both primary and secondary levels.

We are working in line with the Department for Education’s (DfE) “Working Together to Improve School Attendance” guidance, which sets clear expectations for schools, parents, and local authorities. This framework emphasises early support, strong communication with families, and—where needed—accountability. We have also seen recent announcements around Ofsted placing a greater emphasis on ensuring high attendance.

Your role as parents and carers is crucial. By ensuring your child attends school every day, on time, you are giving them the best possible foundation for success both now and in the future.

Punctuality Counts Too.

Arriving late not only disrupts your child’s learning but also the learning of others. When children arrive after registration, they may miss essential parts of the school day, including teaching, instructions, and social routines. Please make every effort to ensure your child arrives on time every morning. Schools will be closely monitoring patterns of lateness, and we will be working together to support families where punctuality is becoming a concern.

Support and Consequences.

Our schools are here to support you if you’re facing challenges in getting your child to school. It is more important than ever that we work together to make every school day count. Please do speak to your school’s attendance officer or pastoral team if you need help – early intervention is always best.

Holidays during term time.

We know family time is important, but taking holidays during the school term can have a real impact on your child’s learning, friendships, and confidence in the classroom. Even a few days away can make it harder for children to keep up and feel settled. We encourage families to plan holidays outside of term dates so that children can make the most of every school day, and we can work together to give them the best possible start in life. We will refer all holiday absence to the Local Authority for action.

However, we must also be clear: continued poor attendance or unauthorised absence can lead to formal intervention, including the possibility of fixed penalty notices (fines) issued by the local authority. We always aim to work in partnership first, but we have a legal duty to ensure children are in school regularly.