Attendance at Abbeyfields
Senior Leader for Attendance – Mrs L Sykes
Aim for 100%
At Abbeyfields, we take pride in the relationships we develop with parents and the support we put in place if a child needs some extra attention to make academic progress.
How does attendance impact my child’s attainment?
There is much national evidence that demonstrates the correlation between high attendance and positive academic and social development.
With even a 5% drop in attendance, we can see the difference in children’s attainment by the end of the academic year. The number of sessions missed can hamper children’s ability to catch up and make the progress of which they are capable.
Maintaining good attendance helps give children the best opportunity to make good academic and personal developmental progress, enabling them to reach their full potential.
We expect the children to attend school regularly – every day if possible
Half termly letters are sent to parents and carers to keep them informed about current attendance at school. Where we have attendance concerns, parents will be contacted and support offered. Where persistent concerns remain, an Attendance Action Plan will be drawn up and agreed. We may also seek support from our Educational Welfare Officer.
Our ambitious school target for attendance is 98% for every child and no less than 96%, because of the link between attendance and children’s achievement.
Punctuality at Abbeyfields
Our doors open at 8:40 so that all children can be in class ready to learn at the start of the school day at 08:45; please arrive promptly so your child can have a calm start to the day and not miss out on anything that their friends get who are on time. There is nothing better than the happy buzz of children coming into school with their friends and we know how difficult it can be for children to arrive later and feel on the “back foot” as they start their day.
Thank you for working hard to be at school in good time.
We also offer Before School and After School Clubs
We recognise that, on occasion, absence is unavoidable. When this is the case it is important that school is notified, with a reason, at the earliest opportunity. However, we also ask for your support in encouraging your child to come to school and ‘give it a go’ wherever possible. Please use this guidance from the NHS to help.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CHILD BY BEING ON TIME AT THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Every minute counts
Lateness = Lost Learning
Did you know…
| Lateness
(Figures calculated over a school year) |
= Lost Learning |
| 5 minutes late each day | = 3 days lost |
| 10 minutes late each day | = 6.5 days lost |
| 15 minutes late each day | = 10 days lost |
| 20 minutes late each day | = 13 days lost |
| 30 minutes late each day | = 19 days lost |
- A settled start…calm and ready to learn
- Improved life chances
- Building lasting relationships
- Reaching their fullest potential
- Instilling great life skills
Every school day counts
Absence = Lost Learning
| 365 days in a Year | 190 School Days in Total | Absence |
| 100% attendance | 190 days | 0 |
| 95% attendance | 180 days | 2 weeks |
| 90% attendance | 171 days | 4 weeks |
| 85% attendance | 161 days | 6 weeks |
| 80% attendance | 152 days | 8+ weeks |
| 75% attendance | 143 days | 9+ days |
Two weeks holiday during term time is over 50 lessons missed.
Missing school is missing out
Your child’s education is very important. Regular school attendance helps pupils fulfil their potential and gives them a better chance for the future.
Every day absence from school is an opportunity missed.
Who can help if you are having difficulties getting your child to school on time every day?
Mrs Ford – Headteacher, Abbeyfields School on 01670 513582
Leave of absence during term time
Leave of Absence can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances, which does NOT include family holidays (although some flexibility will be considered for the particular circumstances of HM Forces families). Difficulties associated with parents’ or carers’ employment cannot be taken into account.
We will consider issues related to terminal illness/bereavement, and very occasional, irregular, short absences (one, or very exceptionally two days) to help accommodate special family occasions. In any event, Regulations do not allow absences to be approved after the event.
Regulations place this entirely at the discretion of the Headteacher. If the Headteacher limits, or does not authorise Leave of Absence, but the child is still taken out of school or kept away for longer than was first agreed, the absence is unauthorised.
Schools are held accountable for the levels of attendance achieved by their pupils: we have no choice but to follow the rules.
A Leave of Absence form can be obtained by clicking HERE
