Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance and Punctuality at Crowton Christ Church C.E. Primary School
At Crowton, we have high expectations for all of our pupils and that starts with attendance. Our Designated Lead for Attendance is Miss L Hill.
It is essential for your child to have outstanding attendance throughout the school year. We know that good attendance is directly linked to good academic results throughout school. Attending school regularly plays a vital part in successful learning. The government sets a target for each child to attend school at least 96% of the time. At Crowton, we expect to at least meet this but aim to exceed it!
We believe that regular school attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential. We value the attendance of all pupils. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind and can put them at risk of wider harm. There is a wide range of evidence as to the health and wellbeing benefits of school-age education.
Research commissioned by the Department for Education shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve good grades, which can have a damaging effect on their life chances. As set out in our Attendance Policy, we will work with families to identify the reasons for poor attendance and try to resolve any difficulties at the earliest opportunity.
Our attendance policy aims to give clear guidance to staff, parents, pupils, and governors to:
• Support every pupil’s achievement by establishing the highest possible levels of attendance and punctuality;
• Recognise the key role of all staff in promoting good attendance;
• Provide a clear framework for monitoring and responding to pupil absences;
• Make parents / carers aware of their legal responsibilities and ensure their children have access to the education to which they are entitled.
We recognise that attendance is a matter for the whole school community. Our Attendance Policy should not be viewed in isolation; it is a strand that runs through all aspects of school improvement, supported by our policies on safeguarding, prevention of bullying, behaviour, and inclusive learning. This policy also considers the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, and other relevant legislation.
Reporting an Absence
If your child is absent from school, please contact the school office on 01928 788230 on the morning of each absence. Alternatively, you can email the school giving the reason for your child’s absence.
For all requested absences, a form must be completed and handed in at the school office for authorisation. Exceptional Circumstances Request forms are available from the school office or can be downloaded from the website.
Authorised Absences
This is when the school authorises an absence because they agree that the reason is acceptable, for example:
Illness severe enough to prevent the child coming to school
Exceptional family circumstances
Part of the day being missed for an essential medical appointment – routine check ups should not be done in school time.
Unauthorised Absences
This is when the school has not allowed the absences because the reason is not acceptable, for example:
Taking a whole day off school for a medical appointment
Minor illnesses or very frequent absence due to minor illness unless backed up with a medical note
Holidays
Birthdays or day trips
Tips for GOOD Attendance and Punctuality
Children should go to bed early enough: Tired children are hard to wake up and find it difficult to learn. Going to bed at a reasonable time makes things easier for them and you.
Be in school regularly an on time: It is settling for children and helps them get into a routine. The more regularly they are in school and on time the more they get used to it.
Get up early enough: Avoid rushing and feeling stressed. Get up early enough and give yourself enough time to get ready.
Limit TV or game time in the morning: Avoid arguments and lateness by limiting how long they are allowed to watch TV or play games in the morning. If it regularly causes problems think about banning it completely in the mornings.
Get things ready the night before: If uniforms, packed lunches, etc are ready the night before, it saves a lot of time in the mornings.
Make time for breakfast – or come to Breakfast Club at school: Making time for breakfast can help to keep things calm in the morning and saves time rather than having to stop at the shops on the way to school. Or come to our school Breakfast Club where children have time to eat, play and get ready for the school day. The club opens at 7:45am.