Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the most important things we can do to support children to thrive at school. Every day matters. Being in school regularly helps children to build their knowledge and skills, develop positive relationships, feel part of our school community and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Attendance Support
We understand that children are sometimes unwell or that families can experience circumstances that make attending school more difficult. Our approach to attendance is therefore both supportive and clear. We want our school to be a place where families feel able to talk to us openly about any concerns or difficulties that may be affecting attendance. If you are worried about your child, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance, or contact the school so that we can listen, understand what is happening and work with you to find the right support.
We ask parents and carers to support us by:
- Ensuring their child attends school every day and arrive on time, ready to learn.
- Contacting the school promptly if their child is unable to attend, giving a reason for the absence.
- Making routine medical and dental appointments outside of school hours wherever possible.
- Talking to us as early as possible if there are difficulties affecting their child’s attendance.
- Only requesting leave of absence during term time in exceptional circumstances.
Why does attendance matter?
It can be easy to underestimate the impact of occasional absence or lateness. Missing school means missing learning, experiences and time with friends. Even small amounts of absence can add up over time and create gaps in a child’s learning.
We therefore monitor attendance carefully and will contact families where we notice a pattern of absence, lateness or a reduction in attendance. This is not about judging families or placing blame; it is about making sure we understand what may be happening and how we can help. We believe that working in partnership with families is key to improving attendance and ensuring that children feel happy, safe and ready to learn.
Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work with parents and carers to understand any barriers and agree appropriate support. Our aim is always to listen, offer support and work alongside families to find practical ways forward.
If attendance does not improve despite support, there are further steps that schools and local authorities may take in line with national guidance. We will always communicate clearly with families about any concerns and the steps being taken.
We want every child at Raysfield Primary School and Little Rays Nursery to have the very best start and to make the most of their time with us. Every day really does count.
Absence
Holidays should not be taken during term time. Where absence is wanted during school time, it is important to request authorisation from the school in advance, however absence should not be requested in terms 1 or 5, in line with local authority policy.
Details of the planned absence should be emailed to the school office and a maximum number of 10 sessions may be granted at the discretion of the Headteacher. However, new legislation means that no requested absence is to be authorised unless in exceptional circumstances. Significant unauthorised absence may trigger involvement of the education welfare service, or if extensive, a fixed penalty notice. There are clear links between attendance and achievement and taking time off school will disadvantage your child’s learning.
Sickness/Appointments
Where it is at all possible please make appointments for dentist, doctor, etc. outside school hours to avoid disruption and time missed at school. Please note that children arriving in school after such appointments and after registration are classed as absences. Other absence from school should be notified on the first day with a note or telephone call explaining reasons.
Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. Children should also be kept at home for a full 48 hours after any bout of sickness or diarrhoea has ended to ensure symptoms have cleared and also to prevent illness from spreading.
