Why is good attendance and punctuality important?
A good education will give a child the best possible start in life. We must ensure that all our pupils have an equal chance to make good use of the education that the school offers by providing a positive and encouraging atmosphere. For this to be achieved it is important that each child attends school regularly and punctually. When a child does not attend school regularly and on time they will have difficulty in keeping up with their work and will therefore underachieve.
The school recognises that parents have a vital role to play in order to support and encourage good attendance and punctuality. By accepting responsibility in partnership with the school, we can work together to ensure the children’s right to a full education as well as enabling parents to fulfil their legal responsibility. It is very important for all children to attend school every day and to arrive on time. School starts promptly at 9.00 am and you should arrive at school in good time to be here when the bell goes. Children who arrive late miss instructions and explanations and lose self-confidence. They also disturb other pupils who have settled to work. Lateness makes a bad start to the day, and arrival after 9.30am is counted as half a day’s absence. Attendance is recorded and monitored by the school and the Education Welfare Officer. Usually, the only acceptable reason for a pupil to miss a day of school is if they are too ill to attend. If this is the case, you should ring the school office by 9.30am and send in a note with your child on their first day back. If in the morning you are not sure if your child is well enough for school, we suggest you send them in. We can always call you if they really are too ill to go through the day. Authorisation for absence will not be given for outings, shopping trips or family visits. Holidays should be taken during the school breaks and not during term time. In exceptional circumstances permission may be sought from the headteacher and every case will be treated individually.
Tips for improving punctuality
Tips for improving attendance
