Regular school attendance, from nursery through to Reception and beyond, gives your child the best possible start to their education. Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, play, make friends and build positive relationships that will support your child throughout their school journey.

Why is regular attendance important?

Coming to school every day helps your child to:

• Make friends and develop positive relationships
• Enjoy learning and have lots of fun
• Build confidence and independence
• Have plenty of opportunities to play and explore
• Take part in exciting activities and experiences
• Develop positive attendance habits for the future

You can help us support your child by encouraging regular and punctual attendance from the very beginning of their school life.

Your child's education is extremely important. Attendance habits developed during the early years can have a lasting impact on their progress, achievement and wider school experience.

If your child is absent

• If your child is too unwell to attend school, or is absent for any other reason, please contact the school on the first day of absence.
• If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, please contact us as soon as possible for advice.

Establishing good attendance habits from an early age will also help your child in the future. Reliability and commitment are important skills that will support them throughout their education and into their working life.

What happens if a child does not attend school regularly?

By law, all children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must receive a suitable full-time education. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that this happens.

If a child of compulsory school age does not attend school regularly, the Local Authority may take legal action.

Leave During Term Time

Please think carefully before taking your child out of school during term time.

Parents and carers should be aware that:

• You must request permission from the school for your child to be absent during term time, and this should be done well in advance of the planned absence.
• A leave of absence can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
• Taking a child of compulsory school age out of school without permission may result in a penalty notice being issued.

How can you support your child's attendance?

To help your child make the most of their education, please:

• Arrange family holidays and other planned absences during the school holidays wherever possible.
• Avoid booking holidays or other absences during important examinations, assessments or tests. Please check with the school if you are unsure.
• Always request permission for planned absence well in advance.
• Consider the potential impact that absence could have on your child's learning, progress and friendships.

Every school day matters. Working together, we can give your child the best possible start and help them make the most of every opportunity.