Attendance and Punctuality

Every day counts at Christ Church

Regular attendance and good punctuality give children the best possible opportunity to learn, build friendships and take part fully in school life.

We want to work in partnership with our families to achieve excellent attendance. We understand that there can sometimes be genuine barriers to attending school and encourage parents to speak to us early so that we can help.

Celebrating Good Attendance

We believe in recognising and celebrating good and improving attendance.

At Christ Church:

• parents may receive Well Done letters recognising good or improved attendance;

• attendance successes are celebrated in our school newsletter; and

• children achieving 100% attendance are welcomed into our 100% Club and receive a special treat.

We recognise improvement as well as excellent attendance and work hard to encourage children and families positively.

Reporting an Unplanned Absence or Illness

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the school office on the first morning of absence, giving your child's name, class and the reason they are unable to attend.

If your child remains absent, please keep the school informed.

If a child does not arrive at school and we have not received an explanation, the school will contact parents/carers to establish the reason for their absence. If we cannot make contact, we will try the child's emergency contacts.

Where we have concerns about a child's whereabouts or welfare, our safeguarding procedures will be followed.

Medical and Dental Appointments

Whenever possible, please arrange medical and dental appointments outside school hours.

Where this is not possible, please inform the school in advance and provide details of the appointment. Children should attend school before and/or after their appointment wherever possible so that they miss as little learning as possible.

Requesting Leave During Term Time

Parents do not have an automatic entitlement to take their child out of school during term time.

If you need to request leave of absence, please:

• complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the school office;

• submit the request as far in advance as possible; and

• arrange a conversation with Mrs Purcell, Headteacher, to discuss the circumstances of the request.

Leave during term time can only be authorised in the circumstances permitted by the school attendance regulations. Family holidays during term time will not normally be authorised.

Please speak to us before making travel arrangements.

Punctuality: Every Minute Counts

Being on time helps children start the day calmly, confidently and ready to learn.

At Christ Church we operate a soft start from 8:30am. This gives children the opportunity to come into school, settle and be ready for the school day.

We monitor punctuality as well as attendance. Where a child is regularly late, we will work with the family to understand what is making mornings difficult and find practical solutions.

Support might include:

• meetings with parents/carers;

• help with morning routines;

• a member of staff meeting a child at the gate;

• staggered or individually agreed arrival arrangements where appropriate; or

• considering whether our Breakfast Club/wraparound provision could help support regular and punctual attendance.

Our first aim is always to understand the barrier and help the child get into school successfully.

When Attendance Becomes a Concern

We monitor attendance regularly and will contact families when we notice a pattern of absence or a child's attendance begins to fall.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include a telephone call, personalised attendance letter or meeting with parents/carers.

We will listen to families, explore the reasons for absence and agree support where appropriate. This might include pastoral support, adjustments within school, individual incentives, support at the school gate, a reintegration plan or work with other professionals.

Where concerns continue, we may work with our Education Welfare Officer or the Local Authority.

Persistent Absence

A child is considered persistently absent when they miss 10% or more of their education.

At this point, our involvement will become more intensive. We will work with parents to identify the reasons for absence, agree actions and closely monitor attendance.

Where appropriate support has been offered but attendance does not improve, the school may need to consider formal attendance procedures in partnership with the Local Authority.

Returning After a Longer Absence

We know that returning to school following a lengthy illness, difficult period or other unavoidable absence can sometimes feel daunting.

We will work with the child and family to make the return as successful as possible. This may include a reintegration meeting, a named adult, meeting the child at the gate, adjustments to routines or learning, pastoral support, or a phased return where appropriate.

Please talk to us. The earlier we understand what is making attendance difficult, the sooner we can work together to help.

Useful Documents

Please see below for:

• Christ Church Attendance Policy

• Leave of Absence Request Form