To achieve our Mission Statement at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, it is essential that children attend school. We aim for an environment which enables and encourages all members of the community to reach out for excellence. We need to be sure that our children are safe. For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. It is very important therefore that parents make sure that their child attends regularly and this policy sets out how, as school and family together, we will achieve this.
Our Attendance Policy policy sets out the principles, procedures and practices the school will undertake. Strategies, sanctions and possible legal consequences of poor Attendance and Punctuality are also detailed, as well as rewards for, and benefits of good attendance. This policy will be reviewed, amended as necessary and published annually in accordance with current legislation and guidance.
The DfE guidance Working Together to Improve School Attendance 2022 states that attendance to school is “essential for pupils to get the most out of their school experience, including their attainment, wellbeing, and wider life chances”.
This policy is based upon the following principles:
● Receiving a full-time, suitable education is a child’s legal entitlement.
● It is a parents /carers’ legal responsibility to ensure this happens.
● Attending school regularly aids intellectual, social and emotional development and is essential if children are to benefit fully from their school life.
● Attending school regularly safeguards the welfare of children whilst they are not in the care of their parents.
● All children whose attendance is poor will be treated as vulnerable.
These principles are enshrined in British law, within the Education Act 1996, the Children Act 1989, and other associated pieces of legislation.
Aims
● To ensure that all children attend school regularly and punctually, in order to maximise their educational achievement and social development. Statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95%.
● To discharge our duty to safeguard its pupils to the best of its ability.
● To ensure that all those responsible for children’s education, including parents, carers, staff and governors understand and accept their responsibilities in relation to attendance.
● To minimise absence from school, thereby reducing levels of persistent absence.
● To improve the life chances of the children attending Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and to prepare them to be fully contributing citizens when they reach adulthood.