Research shows that pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to do well in the future. Regular attendance at school helps children develop their confidence and to make and keep lasting friendships.

At St Oswald’s we expect children to attend school every day, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so. We feel that the most important way to promote good attendance is to ensure that both pupils and parents have a positive relationship with school.

If you are struggling to get your child into school, please come and talk to us before this becomes a habit. We can help and support you and your child to make sure that regular attendance at school becomes a good routine. If your child frequently complains of feeling unwell, our school nurse can work with you and school to identify and rule out any underlying health conditions. If you child is feeling anxious, we have specialist staff in school who may be able to help.

Anything less than 100% attendance means that your child is missing out on their education. Any absence can mean that your child develops gaps in their learning, which in turn can lead to a loss of confidence.

Did you know that missing half a day a week brings attendance down to 90%, which equates to one whole month off school?

Did you know that being just 15 minutes late each morning means that your child would miss the equivalent of 10 days from school each year?

If your child is absent:

·      Please ring school by 9.15am to let us know why your child is not going to be in

·      You need to ring each day to let us know how your child is doing if they are unwell

School will contact parents if the whereabouts of a child are unknown. If parents cannot be contacted, then emergency contact details will be used.

Holiday Leave during term-time

Absence during term time can have a serious impact on your child’s education and leave in term time requires permission in advance of confirming any arrangements.

Changes to the regulations mean that the Headteacher can only authorise leave in term time if the circumstances surrounding the request are exceptional. If you are considering booking a holiday in term time, please speak to the Headteacher to discuss this. Penalty notices are used in accordance with the regulations.