Attendance

Attendance: Every Day Counts!

At Lambley Primary School, our motto is ‘Reach For The Stars’ and we use this to encourage our children to make the most of every opportunity and strive to be the best they can be. As a school, we want every child to seize every day because every day counts. By raising your child’s attendance, you improve your child’s academic chances as well as their life chances. Those who attend well – do well.

Children should attend school every day of the school year unless they are unwell.  Good attendance is essential in ensuring that every child achieves their potential. Regular attendance allows for continuity, a deeper understanding of the work and enables the children to work at their optimum pace (they are not having to catch up). We strive to improve attendance, aim for all children to reach (and exceed) the national expectation of at least 96%, and thus give all children the maximum opportunity to achieve their goals.

What does attending every day mean for my child?

• Being able to achieve their true potential and access all opportunities.
• Being able to make links across topics and subjects; securing a deeper understanding of the work and greater confidence and fluency.
• Better life chances for your child.
• Better preparation for the world of work.
• Instilling a positive work ethic and willingness to do their best.

 What are authorised and unauthorised absences?

Authorised: These are the rare occasions when the school can approve your child’s absence.

Unauthorised: These are those occasions where the school cannot and will not approve your child’s absence.

Acceptable reasons for absence are:	Unacceptable reasons for absence could be:
Illness (sickness and/or diarrhoea – please leave 48hr from illness before returning) Medical appointment that cannot be made outside of school hours A day set aside for religious observance	Holiday Coughs/Sore throat Illness of a sibling or parent Birthday Overslept Visiting friends or relatives Car problems

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list.

If your child is absent, you must call the school on the first day, stating the reason why your child is not able to attend (Phone: 0115 931 3515).

How can parents/carers encourage good attendance?

• BE PUNCTUAL and ensure your child is in school on time every day.
• TALK regularly with your child about school and how they feel about it.
• DISCUSS with school, at the earliest opportunity, any problems/worries that are affecting your child’s attendance.
• PHONE as soon as possible to let us know of your child’s absence.
• DO NOT take holidays in school time.
• DO NOT allow your child to have time off unless it is really necessary.
• ENSURE your child is in school during assessment weeks.
• If you have any concerns RING US – we will check attendance and Mr Christopher will contact you.

How can school encourage good attendance?

• DISCUSS with the children the importance of good attendance.
• ASK them how good attendance will help them with their work.
• OPEN DIALOGUE with the parents – together we can ensure the children reach their full potential.
• REMIND parents about TB Sports provision (to support with wraparound care)
• RUN after-school clubs such as art club and football club.