Regular attendance at school promotes pupils’ wellbeing and gives them the best chance of learning and reaching their potential. When school is open, pupils should always attend school unless the reason for the absence can not be helped

Good attendance is vital because pupils:

  • make more progress academically and socially;
  • cope better with school routines, work and friendships;
  • find learning easier because they do not miss out;
  • feel more confident;
  • are more successful moving between primary school, secondary school, higher education and employment or training;
  • are known to be safe and are treated with dignity and respect by all staff.

 

Research shows a direct link between high attendance and educational outcomes

  • Pupils who did not achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage Two in 2019 had an overall attendance of 95.3% over the key stage. This is compared with 96.5% among pupils who achieved the expected standard and 97.3% among those who achieved the higher standard.
  • 84% of pupils with 100% attendance in KS2 achieved the expected standard compared to 40.2% of pupils who were persistently absent!

These trends are similar to those seen in previous years. We encourage 100% attendance and punctuality for all pupils, and have a minimum expectation of 97%.

Attendance Policy

Our school has a robust and comprehensive attendance policy. 

We have simplify this and given families the key headlines, we have summarised it in a quick read document. You can find both policies below:

Attendance Quick Guide

attendance-quick-guideDownload

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policies & DocumentsDownload
Attendance policyDownload

Standardised Letters and Application for Leave form

Attendance Letters DocumentsDownload
Appendix 1 – Authenticity of illness letter – BLANK.pdfDownload
Appendix 2 – Lateness letterDownload
Appendix 3 – Attendance update – cause for concernDownload
Appendix 4 – Application for Leave of Absence in exceptional Circumstances – BLANKDownload
Appendix 5 – Notice to improve -August 2024 – BLANKDownload
Appendix 6 – Under 90% letter (request for meeting)Download

Attendance Matters

As part of the Swaledale Alliance working group for attendance, we were collaborators in the production of a system-led attendance information leaflet for families.

swaledale-alliance-attendance-matters-parent-guide-feb-2023Download

Pastoral Support Worker

Please speak with Miss Leyburn, who is part of our inclusion team, if you are having any issues with attendance including lateness.

Here is Lewis to explain a little more about why attendance is so important.