Attendance and Punctuality Expectations

At Oldfield Brow, we have the highest expectations for all of our learners and expect them to attend school every day, ready and on time.  We talk to the children about being an 'Attendance HERO' and that attendance and punctuality in school are essential for them to "maximise their limitless potential" (School Vision, 2023)

In order to support our families and ensure that attendance remains a top priority of our school, Mrs West is our Attendance Officer.  She works closely with our Safeguarding Team and Personal Development Leader to ensure that our Attendance Strategy is fully implemented and support is provided to our families to ensure that every child becomes an 'Attendance HERO' at Oldfield Brow.

Why is attendance so important?

At Oldfield Brow Primary School, we believe that regular attendance is crucial for the academic and social development of your child. We expect all parents to ensure their children attend school punctually and regularly. Your child needs to be present in school to benefit from the learning opportunities provided and to establish a consistent routine that supports their educational progress.

We understand that there may be times when your child is unwell, and in such cases, we request that you inform the school as soon as possible. However, we encourage parents to make every effort to schedule medical appointments and family trips outside of school hours to minimize disruptions to their child's education.

Regular attendance also promotes a sense of belonging and community within the school. It allows your child to develop friendships, build positive relationships with teachers, and participate fully in extracurricular activities. By attending school consistently, your child will also develop important life skills such as responsibility, punctuality, and time management that will benefit them in their future endeavors

As parents and carers, you play a vital role in ensuring your child attends school every day. Here are some tips on how you can support your child's attendance:

• Establish a routine: Encourage a consistent routine by setting regular bedtimes and waking times. This helps your child develop healthy sleeping habits and ensures they are ready for school each morning.
• Communicate with your child: Engage in open and regular conversations about their school experiences. Show interest in their daily activities, friendships, and any concerns they may have. This will create a positive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any issues that may affect their attendance.
• Make attendance a priority: Emphasise the importance of attending school regularly and highlight the benefits of education. By demonstrating your own commitment to their education, you are setting a positive example for your child.
• Celebrate achievements: Recognise and celebrate your child's achievements, both big and small. This encourages a positive attitude towards school and motivates them to attend regularly.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with school events, important dates, and any potential disruptions to the normal schedule. Being well-informed allows you to plan ahead and make necessary arrangements to ensure your child's attendance remains consistent.

Remember, regular school attendance sets the foundation for your child's academic success. By following these tips and making attendance a priority, you are providing your child with the best possible opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding attendance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Attendance Percentages

At Oldfield Brow, we use the following attendance bands to help families understand how their child is doing:

• Children with attendance between 97% and 100% are considered to have excellent attendance. This level of attendance gives pupils the best possible foundation both academically and socially.
• Attendance in the 96%–97.99% range is a good level and broadly in line with national expectations. While this is a solid position to be in, pupils are encouraged to aim even higher where possible.
• If attendance falls between 92% and 95.99%, this indicates that there is room for improvement. At this point, attendance may begin to affect learning and friendships, and we will usually make contact with parents to offer support or guidance.
• Attendance below 91% is classed as persistent absence and is a cause for concern. Missing this amount of school can have a significant impact on a child’s progress and wellbeing. When attendance reaches this level, we will work closely with families to understand what is affecting attendance and put supportive strategies in place.

As a guide, 90% attendance means a child misses almost four weeks of school across the year, which highlights how quickly absence can add up.

Medical appointments

Wherever possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside of school hours or during the school holidays. If an appointment must take place during the school day, parents are asked to provide proof of the appointment to the school office and ensure that children return to school as soon as possible afterwards.

Is my child too ill for school?

ukhsa should i keep my child off school guidance a3 poster 1 .pdf

• Attendance and Punctuality Management Policy updated November 2024 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineAttendance and Punctuality Management Policy updated November 2024
• Attendance Meetings - Standardised Agendas 2024-2026 download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineAttendance Meetings - Standardised Agendas 2024-2026
• Our Attendance Expectations Summary download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineOur Attendance Expectations Summary