Attendance and Punctuality
At Eaves Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are fundamental to children’s learning, wellbeing and achievement. Regular attendance enables pupils to access the full curriculum, develop secure learning routines and build positive relationships.
Children who attend school consistently are more likely to achieve well and make strong progress. Poor attendance can have a significant impact on attainment, confidence and future outcomes.
Our Commitment
Eaves Primary School is committed to:
Working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure pupils attend school regularly and on time
Upholding parents’ legal responsibilities under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which requires parents to ensure their child receives a suitable full-time education
Promoting positive attendance and punctuality through a culture of high expectations
Ensuring fairness, consistency and equality for all pupils
Applying attendance procedures in line with the Equality Act 2010, with due regard to pupils with SEND or medical needs
Identifying concerns early and working with families and external agencies where appropriate
Recognising and rewarding good and improved attendance.
Reporting Absence
Parents must inform the school on the first day of absence if their child is unable to attend school.
Absences can be reported via the School Spider app or by contacting the school office. If a child is absent and the school has not been notified, the school office will contact parents to establish the reason for absence. If an absence is not reported, it will be recorded as unauthorised.
Illness and Medical Appointments
We recognise that children may occasionally be too unwell to attend school. Parents are encouraged to use NHS guidance to help decide whether their child is well enough to attend:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside of school hours. Evidence may be requested where absences due to illness are frequent or prolonged.
Changes to the Law on Penalty Notices for Unauthorised Absence
Effective from 19 August 2024
The Government has introduced a National Framework for Penalty Notices for school absence, including unauthorised term-time holidays. These changes apply to all schools and are implemented by the local authority.
What Parents Need to Know
A penalty notice may be issued when a pupil has 10 unauthorised sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) within a rolling 10-school-week period
Term-time holidays will not be authorised, and a one-week holiday is likely to result in a penalty notice
Working Together
Eaves Primary School is committed to working positively with families to support good attendance and punctuality. Where attendance concerns arise, we aim to intervene early and provide appropriate guidance and support.
If you have any concerns about attendance or punctuality, please contact the school office so we can work together in the best interests of your child.
