Attendance
“Our attendance policy directly supports behaviour and attitudes. Clear routines, early intervention, inclusive support and strong safeguarding ensure pupils are in school regularly, ready to learn and positively engaged. Attendance is treated as a behaviour for learning and a key indicator of wellbeing.”
At our school, we believe that excellent attendance is essential to every child’s success. Our whole-school attendance target is 97%, and we work closely with families, the local authority, and external agencies to support every child in achieving this.
Good attendance means that children can take full advantage of the learning opportunities, experiences, and relationships that school provides—and sets strong foundations for future life.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is directly linked to:
- Higher academic achievement
- Better progress in reading, writing, and maths
- Improved wellbeing, confidence, and social development
- A strong sense of routine and stability
The Impact of Missing School
When a child misses school, they miss:
- Key concepts and new learning that may not be revisited
- Lessons that build on prior knowledge, making later learning harder
- Group work, discussions, and practical experiences
- Important social interaction with peers
Even short periods of absence can create gaps that become difficult to close. A child who misses just:
- 1 day every 2 weeks = 90% attendance, which is equivalent to 4 whole weeks of missed school per year
- 10 days a year = 95% attendance - below expected levels
We want every child to thrive, which is why we promote excellent attendance for all.
Our Approach to Attendance
We have a consistent and supportive approach to help families maintain strong attendance:
1. Weekly Class Attendance Updates
We publish weekly class attendance totals in the school newsletter to celebrate positive habits and encourage continuous improvement.
2. Individual Attendance Information for Families
Parents and carers receive personalised attendance information:
- During Parents’ Evenings
- In end-of-term reports
- Through individual meetings when relevant
3. Support for Families
If a child’s attendance begins to fall, we work in partnership with families to:
- Identify barriers to attendance
- Offer early help and practical support
- Create a plan to improve attendance together
4. Working with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC)
We work closely with Oxfordshire County Council to promote regular attendance and ensure children’s needs are met.
OCC operates a statutory fining system for unauthorised holidays or persistent absence, in line with national guidance.
Term-Time Holidays
We do not authorise term-time holidays, except in exceptional circumstances. This is because even a short holiday can significantly disrupt a child’s learning, progress, and confidence in class.
Exceptional circumstances do not normally include:
- Holidays taken for cost reasons
- Family weddings or birthdays
- Visiting family
- Parent work patterns
All requests must be made using our Leave of Absence Form, available from here.
What Parents and Carers Can Do
You can support your child’s attendance by:
- Ensuring they arrive on time every day
- Booking medical appointments outside school hours whenever possible
- Keeping the school informed about any concerns or difficulties
- Encouraging good sleep routines and morning habits
- Contacting us early if you need help - we are here to support you
Useful external links:
· Oxfordshire County Council Attendance Guidance