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Abbotswood Primary School

Together We Aim High, Believe and Achieve

Attendance Procedures

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:

  • Illness or unavoidable cause.
  • Religious observance (as defined by the family's religious body). 
  • Lack of school transport or alternative provision arranged by the Local Authority. 
  • Child of Traveller parents/carers
  • Family bereavement.
  • Exceptional special occasion (as determined by the school).

 

Unauthorised Absences include: 

  • No explanation provided. The school should be informed on the first day of any absence and the reason and expected length of absence given.
  • Explanation deemed unsatisfactory by the school.
  • Child staying at home to care for siblings or household.
  • Shopping or leisure during school hours. 
  • Unapproved special occasions.
  • Family holidays.

 

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:

  •  A Penalty Notice will be issued if there are 10 or more unauthorised sessions (5days) within 10 school weeks. 
  •  The fine is £160 (if paid within 28 days) or £80 if paid within 21 days.  
  • Issued per child, per parent.

 

2. Second Offence (within 3 years):

  • £160 fine (no reductions)
  • Must be paid within 28 days. 
  • If the Penalty Notice remains unpaid after 28 days, then you may be prosecuted for failing to secure regular school attendance. 

 

3. Third Offence (within 3 years):

  • A third Penalty Notice cannot be issued to the same parent for the same child within a 3-year rolling period.
  • Should you continue to incur further unauthorised absences then alternative action will be considered, which could include a prosecution for failing to secure regular school attendance. 

 

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:

  • Miss Griffiths (Attendance officer)
  • Mrs Willoughby (Head of School)
  • Mrs Pritchard (Family Support Worker)

We are here to support you. 

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