Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance: At St.Peter’s CE we believe that regular school attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind and can put them at risk of wider harm. There is a wide range of evidence as to the health and wellbeing benefits of school-age education. Research commissioned by the Department for Education shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve good grades, which can have a damaging effect on their life chances. Mr Colvin (Deputy Headteacher/Senior Attendance Lead) and Miss Duffy (Attendance Officer) will work with families to identify the reasons for poor attendance and try to resolve any difficulties at the earliest opportunity.
Reporting Absence: If your child is absent, please inform school on the first day by phone or email so we know they are safe. Absence can only be authorised for illness or exceptional circumstances, and evidence may be required. Wherever possible, medical appointments should be arranged outside of school hours. Unexplained absences will be recorded as unauthorised and may be investigated by the Local Authority.
Promoting Good Attendance: We actively promote and celebrate good attendance through:
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Weekly attendance league tables
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Half-termly rewards and raffles
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Classes compete to become Attendance Champions and receive rewards such as trips, non-uniform days or other incentives.
Our Tiered Approach to Support: We use a graduated approach to attendance, meaning all pupils receive support, with increasing levels of intervention where needed.
Tier 1 – Universal Support
All pupils benefit from a positive school culture, clear expectations and regular monitoring. Attendance is celebrated and reinforced across the school.
Tier 2 – Early Support
If attendance begins to decline or punctuality is a concern, parents/carers will be contacted and support offered to prevent further absence.
Tier 3 – Targeted Support
Where concerns continue, parents/carers will be invited into school to discuss barriers and agree a support plan. Attendance is monitored closely and additional support may be put in place.
Tier 4 – Intensive Support
For pupils with persistent or severe absence, the school works with external agencies, including the Local Authority, to provide intensive support. This may include formal plans and, where necessary, legal intervention.
Punctuality: Developing an ‘On Time’ routine in childhood is an essential habit learnt for life.. From September 2024, school timings across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 will be: Drop off: Doors will be opened from 8:45am and lessons start promptly at 8:50am. Pick up: 3:20pm. Please note that there is five minute window each morning so that siblings can be dropped off. The school Breakfast Club is open at 8.00 am. to 8.45 am.
Working in Partnership: We recognise that attendance difficulties can reflect wider challenges. We are committed to working in partnership with families to provide early, supportive and child-centred interventions. If you need support with attendance or punctuality, please contact the school office, Mr Colvin or Miss Duffy.
