Attendance
At Earl Sterndale C of E Primary School, we want every child to feel happy, safe and ready to learn. Good attendance is one of the most important ways we can help children succeed, both academically and socially. Children who attend school regularly build confidence, develop friendships, establish positive routines and make the most of every learning opportunity.
Why attendance matters
Every school day is important. Even a few days missed throughout the year can have an impact on a child's learning and confidence. Being in school helps children:
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Learn new skills and knowledge every day
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Build strong friendships
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Develop confidence and independence
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Enjoy special activities, events and experiences
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Establish positive habits that support future success
When your child is unwell
We understand that children sometimes become ill and need to stay at home. However, many minor illnesses such as a runny nose, mild cough or headache do not necessarily mean a child needs to miss school if they are otherwise well.
If your child is absent due to illness, please contact the school office as soon as possible on the first day of absence.
Medical appointments
Where possible, please arrange medical and dental appointments outside school hours. If this is not possible, we encourage children to attend school before and after their appointment so that they do not miss a full day of learning.
Family holidays and leave of absence
The Government does not normally consider family holidays during term time to be exceptional circumstances, and these absences are unlikely to be authorised.
If you believe there are exceptional circumstances that require your child to be absent from school, please complete a ‘Leave of Absence’ form before making any arrangements. We will always listen and consider individual circumstances carefully.
Arriving on time
A positive start to the day makes a big difference. Arriving on time helps children settle quickly, join in with morning activities and feel ready for learning. Children who arrive late can miss important information and may feel unsettled.
School gates open at 8.50am and learning begins at 9am.
If you are finding mornings difficult, please let us know. We are always happy to work with families to find practical solutions.
We're here to help
Sometimes attendance can be affected by worries, anxiety, friendship issues, family circumstances, transport difficulties or other challenges. We understand that every family is different. If you are concerned about your child's attendance or wellbeing, please talk to us. Together, we can understand what might be getting in the way and agree the best support for your child.
As a school, our aim is always to work in partnership with families. We want every child to enjoy coming to school and to feel supported every step of the way.
If you would like to discuss attendance or need support, please contact any member of staff.
Links
Please visit the links below for useful information about attendance.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/