FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is good attendance so important?

Regular attendance helps children:

• Make strong academic progress
• Build friendships and feel a sense of belonging
• Develop positive routines and wellbeing

Missing school can make learning more difficult and may affect confidence and emotional health. Every school day counts.

What is the school’s attendance expectation?

We expect all pupils to attend school every day unless they are genuinely unable to do so.

• Our target for all pupils is 96% attendance or above
• Attendance below 90% is classed nationally as persistent absence
• Attendance below 50% is classed as severe absence

What should I do if my child is unwell?

If your child is too unwell to attend school:

• Contact the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence
• Continue to inform us each day your child is absent

Absence due to illness is usually authorised. If illness is frequent or prolonged, the school may request medical evidence, but we will not ask for this unnecessarily.

Will the school contact me if my child is absent?

Yes. If your child is absent and we have not heard from you, we will follow our First Day Response procedures.

This may include:

• Phone calls to parents/carers
• Contacting emergency contacts
• Further checks to ensure your child is safe

This is part of our safeguarding duty

What happens if my child is late?

Being on time is important for learning and wellbeing.

• If your child arrives before the register closes, they will be marked late
• If they arrive after the register closes, they will be marked absent for that session (unauthorised)

Persistent lateness is treated in the same way as poor attendance, and we will work with families to improve punctuality

Can I take my child out of school for a holiday?

No. The law does not allow holidays to be authorised during term time.

• Leave of absence can only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and family holidays, travel costs, or parents’ work patterns are not considered exceptional.

Any absence taken without permission will be recorded as unauthorised.

What may count as ‘exceptional circumstances’?

Exceptional circumstances are rare and unusual.

Examples may include:

• A parent returning from military service with no leave available during school holidays
• A medical or emotional need supported by a health professional
• Compassionate reasons such as serious illness or bereavement

Each request is considered individually, and evidence will be required.

How do I apply for a leave of absence?

Requests must be made in advance using the school’s leave of absence request form

The Headteacher/HoS will consider the request and respond in writing

Absence taken without written permission will be unauthorised

What support is available if my child is struggling to attend school?

We understand that attendance difficulties often have underlying causes and we want to support and understand.

Support may include:

• Understanding discussions with school staff
• Individual support plans
• Adjustments for pupils with SEND or medical needs
• Referrals to additional services where appropriate

Our aim is always to work in partnership with families to remove barriers to attendance

When are penalty notices issued?

A penalty notice may be considered if a child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a rolling 10‑week period.

Penalty notices are always a last resort, used only when support has been offered and attendance does not improve, or where there is a clear unauthorised absence, such as a term‑time holiday

Will I be fined if my child’s attendance is low?

Not automatically. The school’s priority is to support families.

Fines may be issued if:

• Attendance concerns are not improved despite support
• There are repeated unauthorised absences
• A term‑time holiday is taken without permission

Who can I talk to if I’m worried about my child’s attendance?

If you have concerns about your child’s attendance or punctuality, please contact Mrs McLaren/Miss Crowe. We encourage parents and carers to speak to us early so that we can offer help and support.