Attendance
Every Day Counts
At Ashleigh C of E Primary School, we believe that every child has the right to flourish. Regular attendance helps children achieve their full potential, build positive friendships, develop confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community. Our aim is for every child to attend school every day unless they are genuinely too unwell to do so
Why Attendance Matters
There are 190 school days each year. Missing just a few days can quickly add up and affect learning.
Attendance at a Glance
✅ 100% attendance = 0 days missed
✅ 97% attendance = 5 days missed
⚠️ 95% attendance = 9 days missed
⚠️ 92% attendance = 15 days missed
🚩 90% attendance = 19 days missed (Persistent Absence)
🚩 85% attendance = 29 days missed
Research and national data show that children with higher attendance make better academic progress and have greater opportunities for future success.
Attendance and Punctuality
- School starts at 8:45am.
- Children should arrive before this time and be ready to learn.
- Arrivals after 8:45am are recorded as late.
- Arrivals after 9:15am are recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session unless there is an accepted reason.
REPORTING ABSENCE
If your child is unable to attend school for any reason please notify the office before 9.00am each day of the absence. You can ring on 01271 345149 or email us at ashleigh@thsp.org.uk. When notification has not been received, after the class registers have been taken, the parent/guardian will receive a text, email or phone call requesting a reason for the absence. Unexplained absences will be marked as unauthorised.
Should a child's level of attendance be a cause for concern we work closely with our Inclusion Partner to support families in ensuring children attend school regularly. If you are experiencing difficulties with your child's attendance please contact Mrs Sarah Parris for advice and support.
How We Can Help
We understand that attendance difficulties can arise for many reasons, including illness, anxiety, SEND, family circumstances or emotional wellbeing concerns.
Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work alongside families to:
- Understand the barriers.
- Create an attendance support plan.
- Offer Early Help and external agency support where appropriate.
- Regularly review progress and celebrate improvements.
Our approach is based on support first, enforcement last.
Term-Time Holidays and Penalty Notices
The law states that leave of absence during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays will not normally be authorised.
A Penalty Notice may be considered where a child has:
- 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period, or
- An unauthorised term-time holiday.
Under the national framework:
First Penalty Notice
- £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
- Rising to £160 if paid within 28 days
Second Penalty Notice (within 3 years)
- £160 per parent, per child
Where attendance concerns continue, further legal action may be considered.
Useful Videos and Resources
Videos
Why attending every day matters in primary school - YouTube
Tips for how parents can support with good attendance in primary schoolSupport with Back-to-School Worries
managing back to school worries.pdf
Government Attendance Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence/overview