At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise the vital role that regular attendance and punctuality play in ensuring every child can achieve their full potential.

We ASPIRE that through the love of Jesus everyone should “have life and have it to the full”. (John 10:10)

Living life to the full means being present, engaged and ready to learn each day. Good attendance allows children to fully participate in school life, grow in confidence and flourish both academically and personally.

Children of compulsory school age are required by law to attend school for 190 days each year, and parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school every day and arrives on time.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is essential for children to thrive:

• Academic success – Children who attend regularly are more likely to keep up with their learning and achieve well
• Continuity of learning – Each day builds on the last, supporting secure understanding
• Social development – Children build friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging
• Life skills – Attendance and punctuality develop responsibility, resilience and commitment
• Wellbeing – A consistent routine helps children feel safe, secure and ready to learn

Understanding Attendance

Attendance of 95% or above is considered good.

When attendance falls below this level, the number of missed days quickly increases:

• 95% attendance = around 10 days missed (2 weeks of school)

• 90% attendance = around 19 days missed (almost 4 weeks of school)

This equates to many hours of lost learning and can have a significant impact on a child’s progress, confidence and wellbeing.

A child is considered persistently absent if their attendance falls below 90%.

Attendance Matters

Achieving 90% in a test is a fantastic result. However, if a child attends school for only 90% of the year, they will miss around 19 days of learning - almost four weeks of school.

For primary-aged children, this equates to approximately 120 hours of guided learning, which can be difficult to catch up.

You can support good attendance by:

• establishing a consistent daily routine
• helping your child understand the importance of attendance and punctuality
• taking an active interest in their learning and school life
• discussing any concerns with school staff early
• avoiding unnecessary absence for minor illnesses or holidays

Where possible, appointments should be arranged:

• after school hours
• at weekends
• during school holidays

Reporting an Absence

If your child is absent, please inform the school on the first day of absence by telephone 01432 274814, providing a reason. If the absence continues, the school should be informed each day.

If no reason is provided, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised.

Authorised and Unauthorised Absence

Authorised Absence

• genuine illness
• medical appointments
• religious observance

The school may request medical evidence where appropriate.

Unauthorised Absence

• holidays during term time
• birthdays or special occasions
• avoidable absences

Leave of Absence and Holidays

School holiday dates are published each year, and family holidays should be taken during these times.

Leave of absence during term time will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as:

• bereavement or funeral attendance
• serious illness of a close family member
• specific circumstances relating to Armed Forces families

All requests must be approved by the Headteacher.

Penalty Notices

If a child is taken out of school without authorisation, penalty notices may be issued in line with Local Authority guidance.

Under Section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996:

• First penalty notice: £80 (within 21 days), rising to £160 (within 28 days)
• Second penalty notice: £160 (within 28 days)
• Further offences may result in legal action

Punctuality

Arriving on time is essential for a positive start to the day. Late arrival can disrupt learning and cause children to miss important teaching.

We ask all families to ensure children arrive promptly and ready to learn each day.

Working in Partnership

We value our partnership with families and are here to support you. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please speak to us.

The school has a statutory duty to monitor and report attendance to the Local Authority and the Department for Education. Where there are concerns about persistent absence, further support may be put in place.