At Whitgreave Primary School, we strongly believe that attendance at school and being punctual are vital foundations for personal and academic growth. Establishing excellent attendance and punctuality patterns from an early age gives children the greatest chance to maximise their potential and enable them to develop a deep-rooted sense of belonging to their class and school community.
Good attendance is deemed to be 96% or above. Children should be in school, on time, every day that the school is open, unless the reason for absence is unavoidable.
School start and end times vary:
Nursery: 8.30AM – 11.30AM
Reception & Year 1: 8:45AM – 3:15PM
Years 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6: 8:40AM – 3:10PM
When percentages start to fall below the average, research indicates that this will have a significant impact on a child’s learning and progress. Attendance is extremely important. If children are not here, they cannot learn!
We are committed to working with parents/carers to ensure as high a level of attendance as possible. We utilise a range of rewards such as Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates, best class attendance, weekly prizes, trophies and Golden Ticket days. In addition, where children have significant medical needs or additional needs which impacts upon their attendance, they will also be rewarded for improving their overall attendance. (Significant medicals needs and/or additional needs will be determined by an appropriate professional)
We work closely with our families to instil the value of punctuality and understanding the importance of attending school.
Parents/Carers are expected to:
• On the first day of absence – Parents/carers are requested to ring school, if possible before 9.30AM, on 01902 558930, to give the reason for absence. If school is not contacted we will contact you by telephone, letter or home visit. If the absence continues, please keep school notified at reasonable intervals. Please remember, no contact may result in a visit from the staff responsible for attendance within school, the Local Authority Attendance Service, or the Police, as it is important that we know that ALL our children are safe and well. This is part of our statutory safeguarding responsibility.
• Medical appointments – Parents/carers are requested where possible, to make medical appointments outside school hours. Where this is not possible, please try to request early or late appointments and inform school in advance. Children should be signed in and out at the School Office. Medical evidence will need to be provided.
• Holidays – Holidays within term-time have a detrimental effect on the education and progress of children. Holidays should be taken during the school holidays. Leave of absence requests are available from the Main Reception and should be handed in at least four weeks in advance. Holidays/Leave within term time can no longer be authorised by the Head Teacher and Governing Board, unless there are any ‘exceptional’ circumstances. Any holiday/leave taken which is unauthorised, will be referred to the Local Authority Attendance Service for further action, which may result in a fine. Parents/carers can be fined per child, per parent/carer.
• Late arrival – School aims to foster good habits of attendance and punctuality. Children should arrive at school by their designated time, which is detailed above. If children arrive late, they will receive a late mark. The codes utilised will depend upon the lateness and this will be decided by the Attendance Officer. If you are running late, please call the School Office and inform us, so that we are aware of this. Every minute late, is a minute of learning lost!
• Provide the school with more than 1 emergency contact number for their child
• Keep to any attendance contracts that they make with the school and/or local authority.
• Seek support, where necessary, for maintaining good attendance, by contacting relevant people in school.
If you have any questions, our Attendance Officer; Ms Westwood, will be more than happy to talk to you.
Our Attendance Policy can be found here:
