Attendance Matters

At Clarborough Primary School we work hard to ensure that our children have access to the best teaching, learning and nurturing environment that we can offer. If children are not at school, we cannot give them the opportunities to be the best they can be. Every day of learning matters!

Expectations of Parents and School

Parents and carers AND school both have a legal duty for attendance. It is a legal requirement for each and every child to access regular education. If you need support with your child’s attendance, please speak to your child’s teacher or to Mrs Cowell-Clark.

We expect a child’s absence or lateness to be reported to school before 8.55am, this will be recorded on your child’s attendance record.

Any child/ren that are not in school and with no prior contact from parents/carers advising us of their absence and once we have exhausted our procedures, the school staff will complete a safe and wellness check to the child’s home address.

We expect that all children attend school on time, any child/ren registered after 9.00am will be recorded as late.

Termly attendance data is monitored and school will inform you on your child/ren’s attendance percentage three times per year.

As a school we understand that children fall ill or have medical appointments and this cannot be helped. We would advise that children with illnesses that need to be cared for do receive that care at home.

Persistent Absence

If your child’s attendance falls below 90% it is classed as persistently absent. If your child’s attendance is at risk of dropping below 90% we aim to offer early intervention support.

Education Penalty Notices

Educational Penalty Notices are issued for unauthorised absences – this includes term time holidays. There has been an increase to the rate of the Penalty Notices from £60 to £80 (if paid within 21 days) and £120 to £160 (if paid within 28 days). Further for a second offence (within a three-year period for the same child) a fixed Penalty Notice of £160 is issued with no early-payment discount. Only two Penalty Notices are permitted per child within a rolling three-year period. A third occurence results in direct referral to the Magistrates' Court.

Working Together to Improve Attendance

It is so important for school and parents to work together to ensure all children are attending school as many days as possible. We are available to talk to you about attendance concerns, and support you in getting your child/ren to school on time. Please call the school for information and advice on 01777 708065 or email us at office@clarborough.notts.sch.uk