Church Broughton C of E Primary School
The Importance of Good Attendance at School
At Church Broughton CofE Primary School, we believe that every school day counts. Regular attendance is not just a legal requirement—it’s a vital part of ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.
Why Attendance Matters
Children who attend school regularly are more likely to:
- Achieve better academic results
- Build strong friendships and social skills
- Develop good habits for future learning and employment
In fact, pupils with 95–100% attendance in Year 6 are 30% more likely to meet expected standards in reading, writing, and maths compared to those with lower attendance
.
What the Latest Guidance Says
The Department for Education’s latest guidance, Working Together to Improve School Attendance, outlines a clear expectation for schools and families to work in partnership to support good attendance. Key points include:
- Whole School Culture: Schools should promote the benefits of good attendance across the whole community.
- Early Support: Identifying and addressing barriers to attendance early is crucial. This includes working with families to understand and overcome challenges.
- Clear Communication: Schools must have a clear attendance policy and communicate regularly with parents and carers.
- Data-Driven Action: Schools are expected to monitor attendance data closely and act swiftly when patterns of absence emerge.
- Support for Vulnerable Pupils: Additional support should be provided for pupils with mental or physical health needs, or those with special educational needs and disabilities.
How You Can Help
Parents and carers play a vital role in ensuring children attend school regularly. Here’s how you can support your child:
- Establish a consistent morning routine
- Avoid taking holidays during term time
- Communicate with the school if your child is unwell or facing difficulties
- Attend meetings and work with us if attendance becomes a concern
Let’s Work Together
We are committed to supporting every child to attend school regularly and thrive. If you have any concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Everyone at Church Broughton C of E Primary School is committed to improving outcomes for all children. Attendance at school and being on time everyday has a huge impact on a child’s learning and helps to ensure personal success.
Whilst staff and governors will do everything they can to support families struggling with attendance and lateness it must also be understood that as part of the monitoring procedures parents will receive a letter informing them of their child’s attendance rate if it falls below the target of 95%. The letter will give parents an opportunity to meet with the Head of School to discuss any problems they may be experiencing and share ideas in which we can work together to achieve an acceptable level of attendance.
Support is available through:
- Joining Breakfast Club (Available daily from 7.30am)
- Referral to School Health where on-going illness is a recurring issue
- Involving external agencies, for example the Multi-Agency Team, and the help they can offer
Government regulations require that all schools record the reason for every absence and distinguish between authorised and unauthorised absences.
We ask that parents notify the office as soon as possible giving a clear reason for absence. On the first day of any absence period it is the parents’ responsibility to contact the school and to explain the absence. If we have not received notice from you, a member of staff will telephone to enquire. This also provides some security for children who journey to school independently of an adult. Parents also need to inform school of any subsequent days of absence due to illness.
Proof of medical/dental appointments will be required. This can be in the form of an appointment card or text message. We will record the reason for any child arriving late or leaving early. These records will be regularly monitored.
It is also important children arrive at school on time in the mornings:
- School opens at 8.45am
- Register commence at 8.50am
- Register closes at 9.15am
"Teachers match work well to the range of ability in the class and provide tasks which engage pupils well."