Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance and punctuality are extremely important at Langwith Bassett Primary Academy.

Central to raising standards in education and ensuring all pupils can fulfil their potential is an understanding that children need to attend school regularly to benefit fully from their education. Missing lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind, both academically and socially. We believe it is vital that children are in school, learning and thriving as much as possible.

Children with excellent attendance are able to participate in, and benefit from, the exciting learning opportunities, events and wider experiences provided by our school — something we want for every single pupil.

We aim for every child to achieve at least 97% attendance across the academic year. The attendance team works closely with families to support pupils whose attendance may become a concern. If a child’s attendance drops below 90%, additional support may be offered and the school may involve Miss Nuttall, the Academy Education Welfare Officer, to work alongside families to improve attendance.

We understand that from time-to-time children may need to be absent due to illness or exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers must contact the school office before 9:00am on each day of absence to inform us of the reason for their child’s absence. If we do not her from you, the Attendance Team will make efforts to reach you via phone, text, and/or home visits.

We are able to administer prescribed medicines in school where necessary. Parents/carers should bring medication to the school office and complete the appropriate permission form.

If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the NHS guidance: NHS – Is my child too ill for school?

Punctuality

Being on time is extremely important. Every morning begins with key learning, instructions and activities that prepare children for the rest of the day. Arriving late can mean children miss essential explanations, learning opportunities and valuable social time with their classmates.

Children are expected to arrive at school and be ready to learn by 8:45am. Children arriving after this time will be marked as late. If a child arrives after 9:15am, the session may be recorded as an unauthorised absence unless there is an authorised reason, such as a medical appointment.

Just 10 minutes late each day adds up to nearly one full week of lost learning across the school year.

Developing good punctuality habits is an important life skill and helps prepare children for the expectations of secondary school, employment and adult life.

Leave of Absence

In September 2013 the government introduced new regulations making it clear that headteachers must not give approval for any leave of absence during term time, including holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Any requests for term-time leave should be made on a Request for Leave of Absence available from the school office and handed in 14 days before the first date of the requested absence whenever possible. You must have received written authorisation before your child can be absent from school.

Parents/carers may be issued with a penalty notice fine or prosecution should leave of 5 days or more be taken which is not authorised by the Headteacher, or where repeated incidents of leave in term time for less than 5 days occur or where the unauthorised absence contributes to wider poor attendance that meets the legal threshold. Absence deemed for the reason of unauthorised leave in term time will be marked in the register with the attendance code G. 

You may be issued with a Penalty Notice should leave be taken which is not authorised. If unpaid this could lead to prosecution under section 444(1) of The Education Act 1996.

Celebrating Attendance

We believe that good attendance and punctuality should be recognised and celebrated.

Each week, classes are informed of their attendance figures and whether they are meeting the academy target. Classes with over 97% attendance that week get the opportunity to roll the dice in our Langwith Bassett 'Attendopoly' game, and win prizes and rewards for their class.

Children with excellent or improved attendance are celebrated throughout the year through certificates, prizes, raffles, special events and end-of-term awards. We are proud to celebrate the commitment and effort shown by our pupils and families in supporting excellent attendance.

Class attendance is shared weekly in the newsletter, and can be found on the classroom doors.