Attendance
The Importance of Good Attendance and Being on Time
Coming to school every day and arriving on time is very important for children’s learning and wellbeing.
When children attend school regularly and arrive on time, they have the best chance to learn, make friends, and grow in confidence. Children cannot learn as well if they miss school or arrive late.
We want every child to have the best possible attendance so they can reach their full potential.
Research shows that there is a strong link between good attendance and doing well at school. When children miss school often, they can fall behind in their learning. This may affect their future opportunities.
Our aim is to make sure all children benefit from the learning opportunities available to them. We do this by encouraging good attendance, supporting families, and reducing persistent absence.
We expect all pupils to achieve at least 96% attendance each school year. We work closely with families to help children meet this target.
Why Being on Time Matters
Arriving late can affect a child’s learning in the same way as missing school.
Even a few minutes each day soon adds up:
- 5 minutes late each day = 3 days of learning lost
- 10 minutes late each day = 6.5 days lost
- 20 minutes late each day = 13 days lost
- 30 minutes late each day = 19 days lost
Being on time helps children start the day calmly and ready to learn.
Children who arrive after 9:15am will be classed as late after the register has closed and will receive an unauthorised mark, resulting in a missed session.
Your Responsibilities as a Parent/Carer
In England, parents have a legal duty to make sure their child receives an education.
Children must start full-time education at the beginning of the school term after their fifth birthday.
Young people must stay in education or training until they are 18. This could be at school, college, or through training such as an apprenticeship.
Schools are open for 190 days each year, and children are expected to attend regularly.
Parents/carers must make sure their child/children attend school regularly. If your child is going to be absent from school for any reason, you must let the school know on the first day of absence and before 9am.
You can let the school know by phoning or emailing
0161 681 1385
[email protected]
If you do not let school know why your child is off school or if the absence is classed as unauthorised, this could lead to the school and Local Authority taking action. Parents/Carers whose children miss 10 sessions in a 10-week period, are likely to receive these notices and/or fines. There are 2 sessions per school day when the register is taken. Each full day of absence is classed as 2 sessions.
Absence Forms
If you know that your child is going to absent from school, please fill in a form from the school office. It is important that we know why your child is off school. In exceptional circumstances only, some absences may be authorised.
Term time holidays will not be authorised. Families will receive a fixed penalty notice for holidays taken during the term. Fines are issued per parent, per child.
How Can We Help?
Working together with families is very important for good attendance.
If you need support or advice, we are here to help.
Miss Austin and Mrs Holt work closely to support families with attendance. Mrs Holt is our learning mentor and she is here to support your child in school.
If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please speak to us so we can work together to support your child.
Early Help is also available. Please contact the school office if you would benefit from a referral. Further information can be accessed via the family hubs page on the following website: https://hsm.manchester.gov.uk/
We will send letters home each term to let you know how well your child is attending school. If there are concerns, we will invite you to a meeting so that we can work together to make improvements.
We may also make phone calls home and carry out home visits if your child is absent.
How do we celebrate good attendance?
Our school council suggested that we celebrate the class with the highest attendance each week with a special treat from the kitchen. Our fabulous cook, Sam, bakes for the winning class every Monday!
We also celebrate good and improved attendance through certificates, letters home and additional class rewards.
Is My Child Too Sick For School?
Take a look at the link below to access the NHS illness guide.
