Attendance
Attending school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Children learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.
At our school, we are committed to providing a great education and the building blocks for this begins with regular attendance. When children miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in later life.
Percentage Attendance Per School Year | Number of days lost per year | Number of weeks lost per year | Number of lessons missed |
100%-98% (Outstanding) | 0-4 days | Less than 1 week | 0-16 lessons |
98%-95% (Good) | 5-9 days | 1-2 weeks | 16-36 lessons |
95%-93% (Satisfactory) | 9-13 days | 2-3 weeks | 36-52 lessons |
93%-85% (Unsatisfactory) | 13-28 days | 3-6 weeks | 52-112 lessons |
Below 85% (Significant Risk) | More than 28 days | More than 6 weeks | More than 112 lessons |
Requesting a known absence:
If you need to request a term-time absence, please submit a written request to the Headteacher, outlining the length and reason for the absence.
Please note: Holiday absences during term time will not be authorised under any circumstances. A Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued for unauthorised absences of 5 days (10 sessions) or more.
Authorised Absences may include:
Unauthorised Absences include:
Monitoring and Support
We monitor every pupil's attendance on a weekly basis. Each child’s attendance is tracked daily, including both morning and afternoon sessions.
Parents/carers are expected to contact the school on the first day of absence.
If no contact is made, we will follow up via phone, text, or in some cases, a home visit.
If a child's attendance drops below 95%, we will:
Send a letter home informing parents of the concern.
Invite parents to discuss any issues affecting attendance.
Offer support, which may include an Attendance Support Plan (ASP), regular check-ins, or referrals to external services.
Persistent or unexplained absences may be referred to the Local Authority’s Education Welfare Service. Continued concerns could lead to a Penalty Notice or legal action, in line with government guidelines.
Changes to National Attendance Rules (effective from 19th August 2024)
From 19th August 2024, national rules regarding school attendance and penalties are changing:
1. First Offence:
2. Second Offence (within 3 years):
3. Third Offence (within 3 years):
For more details, visit the South Gloucestershire Council website (southglos.gov.uk) under ‘Holidays during school term time’.
Need help or have questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's attendance, please speak to:
We are here to support you.