Every day counts because every child matters

Athelstan Primary School believes that good attendance is essential for children's learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Being in school every day helps children build strong relationships, feel safe and make the best possible progress.

Attendance is a key part of safeguarding. We work closely with families to promote good attendance and to identify and remove barriers early.  Where difficulties arise, our approach is always to listen, understand and offer support before considering any formal or legal action. 

Absence from school

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the school by telephone before 8.30am on the first day of absence. You may leave a message on the answer phone. It is important that we know where your child is if they are not in school.

School telephone number: 0114 2692301.        

If no contact is received, the school will follow up the absence on the first day. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, this may include further checks or home visits. 

Children should attend school whenever they are well enough to do so.  We understand that children are sometimes unwell and that health must always come first. Where absence becomes frequent or prolonged, we will contact families to discuss how we can support the child and reduce missed learning. 

Medical appointments and illness

Wherever possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside school hours. If an appointment during the school day is unavoidable, please inform the school in advance.

Children must be collected by an adult, as pupils are not permitted to leave the school premises alone during the school day.

We recognise that access to GP and hospital appointments can be difficult. We do not expect families to arrange medical appointments purely for attendance purposes.  Where absence due to illness or appointments becomes frequent or follows a pattern, the school may arrnage a meeting to better understand the situation and consider appropriate support. 

The school follows NHS guidance, Is my child too ill for school? to support families in deciding whether attendance is appropriate. 

Term-time leave and exceptional circumstances

Leave of absence during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances, which are rare, significant and unavoidable. There is no automatic right to take children out of school during term time. 

Requests must be made in writing at least 20 school days in advance. Each request is considered individually by the Headteacher in line with national guidance and Sheffield Local Authority requirements.

If leave is not authorised and a child is taken out of school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised, and the school may request a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority where appropriate.

Where a child is absent and their whereabouts are unknown, the school has a safeguarding duty to follow Children Missing in Education procedures. 

Further information and the request form can be found in our Attendance Policy.

Lateness

We expect children to arrive on time so that they can settle calmly and be ready to learn.  If a child arrives after 8.50am, they must enter via the main entrance and report to the office.

We understand that mornings can sometimes be challenging. If punctuality is becoming difficult, please speak to us so that we can offer support. 

Support with attendance

Support begins as soon as a pattern of absence or lateness is identified. We use a Support First Model, working in partnership with families to understand barriers and agree next steps.

Early conversations about attendance

We believe that small changes are easier to address early.  Class teachers may contact parents and carers if they notice a pattern of absence or lateness beginning to emerge.

These conversations are routine and supportive. They help us to understand how school feels for your child and whether anything is getting in the way of regular attendance.

Early contact does not mean that there is a serious problem. It allows us to listen, share observations and agree simple steps together before difficulties become harder to resolve. 

Where needed, teachers may involve the attendance team to help think about additional support.  Our focus is always on working with families to remove barriers and support children to attend well.

Support may include:

• Meetings with parents and pupils
• Pastoral and emotional support
• Adjustments such as soft starts
• Support plans
• Early help or agency involvement
• Additional support for emotionally based school avoidance

The child's voice is central to all attendance support.

Legal measures are considered only when support has been offered, barriers explored and attendance has not improved. 

Need support or advice?

If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, please contact James Mills, Assistant Headteacher. Early conversations help us provide the right support at the right time.