Attendance and Punctuality

At Byron Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance is essential for children to achieve their full potential. Every day in school matters. Regular attendance helps children to make good progress, build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy all the opportunities that school has to offer.

Our approach to attendance is built around our school values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed. We work closely with children and families to promote excellent attendance, understand any barriers and provide support where it is needed.

Why Attendance Matters 

When children attend school regularly, they are more likely to:

• Achieve well academically.
• Build and maintain positive friendships.
• Develop confidence and self-esteem.
• Take part fully in school life and enrichment opportunities.
• Feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Even a small amount of absence can have a significant impact on a child's learning and wellbeing over time.

Our Attendance Expectations

We have high expectations for attendance and punctuality. Our aim is for every child to attend school every day unless they are genuinely too unwell to do so.

Our whole-school attendance target is 96% or above, and we strive to improve attendance year on year.

We monitor attendance carefully and work with families at an early stage if concerns arise, ensuring that children receive the support they need to attend regularly and achieve success.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the school office on the first day of absence by 9.00am.

Telephone: 01274 722981

Please provide:

• Your child's name and class.
• The reason for the absence.
• The expected length of absence, if known.

Any unreported absences will be followed up by a text message and telephone call. This forms part of our safeguarding procedures to ensure that all children are safe.

Is My Child Too Ill for School?

We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to know whether your child should attend school when they are feeling unwell.

The NHS provides clear guidance for parents and carers:

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS

This guidance explains when children should stay at home and when they are well enough to return to school.

Medical and Dental Appointments

We encourage parents and carers to arrange medical and dental appointments outside of school hours wherever possible.

If this is not possible, please provide evidence of the appointment to the school office. Children should attend school before and after appointments whenever practical.

Where there are ongoing attendance concerns, the school may request supporting medical information to help us understand and support a child's needs.

How We Support Attendance

At Byron, we recognise that some children and families may face barriers to regular attendance.

These may include:

• Medical needs.
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Anxiety or emotional wellbeing concerns.
• Family circumstances.
• Friendship or social difficulties.

We work closely with children, families and external agencies where appropriate to identify barriers and provide support. This may include pastoral support, attendance plans, Early Help, reasonable adjustments and personalised strategies to help children attend successfully.

Our aim is always to work in partnership with families and provide support at the earliest opportunity.

Punctuality Matters

Arriving at school on time helps children settle quickly, start learning positively and develop good routines.

Children who arrive late can miss important learning and information at the start of the school day. We therefore ask all families to ensure that children arrive on time every day.

Holidays During Term Time

The Government has made it clear that holidays should not be taken during term time.

Leave of absence during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Any request should be submitted to the Headteacher in advance using the school's leave request form.

Unauthorised absences may result in a Penalty Notice being issued by the Local Authority.

Celebrating Good Attendance

We are proud of the efforts that our pupils make to attend school regularly.

Attendance and punctuality are celebrated through:

• Celebration assemblies.
• Certificates and awards.
• Recognition of excellent attendance.
• Recognition of improved attendance.
• Class and whole-school attendance achievements.

Working Together

Good attendance is everyone's responsibility. By working together, we can ensure that every child feels safe, happy, included and ready to learn.

If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, punctuality or wellbeing, please contact school as soon as possible. We are always happy to listen and help.

Together we can ensure every child has the opportunity to Respect, Aspire and Succeed.

Attendance Policy