Attendance & Punctuality
Why is regular attendance and punctuality so important?
Being in school every day that it is open and on time, is important to your child’s achievement, wellbeing, and their wider development
At St Mary’s Catholic primary school, we recognise that each day is a gift from God and an opportunity for every child to grow in knowledge, faith, and love. Regular attendance and good punctuality are essential in helping children to flourish and make the most of these opportunities.
A child’s time in school shapes not only their learning, but also their friendships, confidence, and sense of belonging within our caring community. When children attend school every day, they are able to fully participate in the life of the school, develop positive relationships, and grow in self-esteem. In this way, they are better able to use their given talents to the fullest.
Our aim is for all children to achieve at least 95% attendance. This ensures that they benefit from the full richness of school life. Even a small amount of absence can have a significant impact. For example, 90% attendance means missing one half day each week, nearly four weeks of learning in a year, and over a full year across a child’s school journey.
We are committed to nurturing good habits from the very beginning of each child’s education. By encouraging regular attendance and punctuality, we help children to develop a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and commitment—qualities that will guide them throughout their lives.
When can my child be absent from school?
When you register your child at school, you have a legal duty to ensure your child attends that school regularly.
This means that your child must attend every day that the school is open, unless:
· Your child is too ill to attend that day.
· You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances.
Authorised Absence
We understand that there are times when absence is unavoidable. The school can authorise absences in the following circumstances:
· Genuine illness
· Medical or dental appointments (where these cannot be arranged outside school hours)
· Bereavement of a close family member
Other avoidable reasons cannot be authorised. While we appreciate the pressures on family life, we ask for your support in ensuring that children are in school whenever possible.
Persistent Absence is under 90% attendance, and a letter will be sent home if your child’s absence falls below this. If attendance is not improved, a meeting with the Attendance Team will be arranged.
Our Expectations
It is statutory for children who are age 5 or older to attend school.
This means that all the children in our Key Stage 1 and 2 classes, and the children in our Reception classes who have already had their fifth birthday, must come to school every day. The Government’s minimum standard for a primary school’s attendance is 95% and our attendance target is 95% or over. We also work hard to encourage all the 3 and 4 year old children who attend our Nursery and Reception classes to come to school every day.
If your child is unwell, please contact the school office by 9:00am each day of absence, clearly explaining the reason. This helps us to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our care.
Please make sure you phone school every day your child is absent. If an absence is not reported by a Parent/Carer, then we will call you and text and if no reason is given then it becomes an unauthorised absence. We may also come to your residence to check that your child is at home in some circumstances.
Holidays in term time are not permitted, and the school complies with the national and RBKC policies relating to unauthorised absences.
Punctuality
Arriving on time allows children to settle, greet their friends, and begin their learning with confidence.
Our school day begins with a soft start, and children are expected to arrive between 8:45am and 9.00am.
Any child arriving at school after 9.00am, when the gate is closed, will be recorded as late and parents are required to give reasons for lateness.
Persistent lateness can affect a child’s well-being and learning. It may cause embarrassment, make it harder for them to settle into the day, and disrupt the learning of others.
By arriving promptly, children show care and consideration for their classmates and teachers.
How we celebrate Attendance
Whole school and class attendance is celebrated each week as part of the school’s achievement assembly on Friday. This information is also shared on the schools’ newsletter. The class with the highest attendance in EYFS & KS1 and KS2 are given the sports pitch on the Friday lunchtime.
We also celebrate improved attendance at the end of the term with certificates given at our Star of the Term Assembly.
Children who have 100% attendance will have an end of year celebration pizza and ice cream party with the Senior Leadership Team!