Every Day Matters
At Longshaw Primary Academy, we have high expectations in every aspect of school life, including attendance. We believe that children achieve their very best when they are in school, feeling safe, valued and part of our community.
Strong relationships between staff, pupils and families are central to our approach. We work closely with children to promote excellent attendance and to ensure they make the most of every learning opportunity available to them.
There is a well-established link between good attendance and positive academic outcomes. By attending school every day, pupils give themselves the greatest chance to succeed both now and in the future.
Why Attendance is so Important?
Every day in school counts. There are approximately 175 non-school days each year, which provide plenty of opportunity for holidays, appointments and family time.
If a child misses just one session per week, their attendance can fall to around 90%, which equates to almost four weeks of learning lost across the year. This can make it much more difficult for children to keep up with their learning and feel confident moving forward.
We all play an important role in helping children understand the value of attending school regularly.
Working in Partnership
We recognise that there may be times when children cannot attend school due to illness or exceptional circumstances. In these situations, it is essential that parents and carers follow school procedures, as this supports both attendance monitoring and safeguarding.
If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the school as soon as possible. We are committed to working in partnership with families to provide support where needed.
School Start Times
To ensure a positive start to the day, pupils must arrive on time.
School gates open at 8:40am and close at 8:50am, children are expected to be on time.
Arriving promptly helps children settle into routines and maximises learning time.
Helping your Child Attend Tegularly – Top Tips
Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly. We are here to support you and recommend the following.
- Talk positively about school and explain why attendance matters.
- Encourage your child to think about their future and how education supports their goals.
- Ask regularly about their experiences at school.
- Establish consistent routines for sleep, meals and organisation.
- Prepare school items the night before.
- Follow NHS guidance when deciding whether your child is well enough for school.
- Avoid booking holidays during term time.
- Arrange medical appointments outside school hours wherever possible. If child has an appointment during school times, please ensure they attend school before and after their appointment.
- Provide a calm space and routine for homework.
- Speak with your child if they seem reluctant to attend, as there may be an underlying concern.
- Work with the school to address any attendance issues early.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, please contact the school before 9:00am on each day of absence.
When reporting an absence, please provide your child’s full name, class and the reason for absence.
If we do not receive a reason, the school will contact you. Where contact cannot be made, a welfare check may be carried out as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.
If your child has had an injury, please inform the school so that we can assess any support they may need during the school day.
Medical and Dental Appointments
Where possible, appointments should be arranged outside of school hours. If this is not possible, please provide evidence such as an appointment letter or card. Pupils should attend school before and after their appointment whenever possible.
Requesting Leave During Term Time
Leave during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
Requests should be made in advance, ideally with at least four weeks’ notice in writing to the school. Absence will not normally be authorised for holidays.
Unauthorised absences may result in a penalty notice in line with Department for Education guidance.
Support for Attendance
We carefully monitor attendance and will work with families where concerns arise. Support will be offered where a child’s attendance falls below expected levels.
Our aim is always to ensure that every child is able to attend school regularly and feels supported in doing so.
Punctuality
Being on time is essential for learning. Registers close shortly after the start of the school day and arrival after this time will be recorded as late. Arrival after registers have closed will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Late arrivals disrupt learning for both the individual child and the rest of the class.
Children arriving late must enter via the main office and be signed in.
Persistent lateness will be monitored and may result in further communication with parents, meetings or additional support.
End of the School Day
Children should be collected promptly at the end of the school day. Late collection is recorded and repeated instances may be followed up by a member of the senior leadership team.
Need Support?
We are here to help. If you are experiencing any difficulties with attendance or punctuality, please contact the school office or speak to a member of staff. Working together ensures every child has the best opportunity to thrive.