Attendance
Every Day Counts!
Our attendance goal is 96%.
At Earlsmead Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children succeed.
When children attend school every day, they:
✅ Build strong friendships
✅ Feel part of the school community
✅ Keep up with their learning
✅ Develop confidence and resilience
✅ Achieve their very best
We want every child to enjoy coming to school and feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
🎯 Our Attendance Aim
We encourage all pupils to achieve at least 96% attendance across the school year.
What does this mean?
Missing just a few days can quickly add up and impact learning, friendships and confidence.
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📞 Reporting Your Child's Absence
If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please contact the school office before 9:30am on the first day of absence.
Please provide:
- Your child's name and class
- The reason for absence
- How long you expect them to be absent (if known)
If we do not hear from you, The Attendance Team will contact you to ensure your child is safe.
How We Support Families
We understand that sometimes attendance can be affected by:
- Illness
- Anxiety or emotional wellbeing
- Medical appointments
- Family circumstances
Our priority is always to work alongside families to identify any barriers and provide support where needed.
If you are worried about your child's attendance, please contact us as early as possible so we can help.
Absence procedures
We monitor attendance carefully and will contact families when attendance begins to fall. RAG letters are also sent to all parents each term informing you about where your child/ren's attendance falls.
On the first day of absence, the Attendance Team will call home to ascertain the reason for absence.
Below 95%
📧 A letter will be sent home to make families aware of attendance levels and what we expect going forward. This may also include providing medical evidence for any attendance that is illness related.
Below 90%
🤝 A meeting will be arranged with our Attendance Team to discuss support and agree next steps.
Children who attend below 90% are classed as persistently absent under Department for Education guidance and may require additional support from our Local Authority Attendance Officer or external professionals.
✈️ Holidays During Term Time
The Department for Education is clear that family holidays should not be taken during term time.
Headteachers may only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and each request is considered individually. Holidays and leisure trips are not normally considered in exceptional circumstances.
Please complete a leave of absence request form if you believe exceptional circumstances apply.
⚠️ Attendance and Penalty Notices
The government has introduced a national framework for attendance penalties across England.
If a child has 10 sessions (the equivalent of 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period, the Local Authority may consider issuing a Penalty Notice to each parent.
Penalty Notice Charges
- First Penalty Notice: £160 per parent, per child, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
- Second Penalty Notice (within 3 years): £160 per parent, per child.
- Further unauthorised absence: May result in legal action being considered by the Local Authority rather than a further Penalty Notice.
⏰ Be On Time, Every Time
School starts promptly each day and arriving late can be unsettling for children and disrupt learning.
A child who is just:
- 5 minutes late every day misses over 3 days of learning each year.
- 10 minutes late every day misses over 6 days of learning each year.
Being on time helps children settle quickly and start the day positively.
Working Together for Success
Attendance is everyone's responsibility.
By working together, we can ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to learn, thrive and achieve their full potential.
"Every day in school is a chance to learn something new."
TIPS FOR GOOD ATTENDANCE...
For further information, please arrange an appointment to speak to Miss Peshawaria or Mrs Stangroom via the school office.
