Why is regular school attendance important?

“Moments matter.  Attendance counts.”

 Regular attendance helps children:

• Make better social and academic progress
• Manage routines, school work and friendships
• Find learning more satisfying
• Transition successfully between school phases
• Stay safe during school hours
• Have a commitment to education

The link between attendance and attainment is clear:

In 2018/19, just 40% of persistently absent (PA) children in KS2 achieved expected KS2 standards, compared with 84% of pupils who regularly attended school.

But attendance is important for more than just attainment:

Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.

At Woodfield Infant School, we are dedicated to providing all children with a quality education, recognising its role in achieving the best outcomes and raising aspirations.

Attendance Policy on a Page  - Moments Matter, Attendance Counts

Absence Reporting Arrangements

The full attendance Policy can be found on our policies page.

Parental Responsibility

Parents and carers must make sure their children go to school regularly. By law, school-age children must get a full-time education. Not doing so may lead to fines or legal action and can harm their learning, friendships, self-esteem and confidence.

3 P’s for Attendance at Woodfield Infant School

PREVENTION

• Highlight the Importance: Make sure your child understands why good attendance and punctuality matter.
• Stay Engaged: Show interest in their education by discussing schoolwork and encouraging participation in activities.
• Communicate Issues: Talk about any school problems and inform their teacher or the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer about serious concerns.
• Prioritise Attendance: Avoid letting them miss school for minor ailments.

PUNCTUALITY

• Ensure your child arrives to school on time.

Promotion

• Value Education: Encourage your child to make the most of their educational opportunities.
• Importance of Attendance: Irregular attendance disrupts learning, progress, and leads to underachievement.
• Support Success: Ensure your child receives the education they deserve. We want them to succeed as much as you do!

Our attendance team

Ms Laura Mathias is our Local Authority Education Welfare Officer (Shropshire Council)

How can I get help with my child’s attendance?

If you are worried about your child’s attendance, start by discussing your concerns with the school directly. The school has an attendance team who may be able to assist. Additionally, we work closely with a range of external agencies who can provide further support if necessary.

Attendance expectations and actions

Leave of Absence in Term Time

Family holidays in term time are not allowed in law and are unlikely to be authorised. Family emergencies also need careful consideration. It is not always appropriate or in the best interests of the child to miss school for emergencies which are being dealt with by adult family members. Notifying the school of leave due to a family emergency does not mean it will be authorised.

Please note that where parents fail to ensure their child attends school regularly, legal action, including penalty notices, may be considered.

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states that as a Parent/carer of a child of statutory school age, you have a legal responsibility to ensure their full time education through regular attendance at school or otherwise.

It's known that missing school for any reason can cause a child to fall behind in their learning. Sometimes children find it difficult to settle back into school after a break. When children are taken out of school during term not only does the education of the individual child suffer, but it can cause disruption to the rest of the class, with teachers having to repeat work and give extra help so that the pupil can catch up.

Parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays in term time and leave of absences can only be authorised by a Headteacher in exceptional circumstances. Holidays in term time are not considered as exceptional and are unlikely to be unauthorised, unless there is an exceptional reason; reasons related to cost of holidays are not exceptional. 

Holidays in school time are discouraged by Woodfield Infant School, in line with the Local Authority and government policy, because they disrupt children’s learning and education. Parents are asked to seriously consider the educational implications for their children, and also the impact for other children within the class, before making an application. Research shows that consistent attendance is crucial in giving children the best chance of success.

If your child has accumulated other absences, or there have been previous requests under exceptional circumstances, the request will be less likely to be approved. Retrospective requests for leave of absence will not be authorised. If your request for leave of absence is not authorised and you decide to take your child out of school you will automatically receive a Warning Notice letter from the Education Access Service and may incur a fine.

What should I do if I wish to request a leave of absence?

If you would like to request that your child takes a leave of absence during school time, please complete the form below and send it in to the school office. Your request will be looked at and you will receive a response from us telling you whether or not the absence has been authorised.