At Ellington Infant School, we want every child to belong, achieve and thrive. Regular attendance plays an important part in this. Being in school consistently helps children to learn, build friendships, develop confidence and feel part of their school community.

We have high expectations for attendance and punctuality, while recognising that there may be times when children cannot attend or families experience barriers that make attendance more difficult. We want to work in partnership with families, identifying concerns early and offering support wherever possible.

Reporting an absence

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the school office by 9.15am by telephone, email or Arbor, giving the reason for their absence.

If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, the NHS provides helpful guidance for parents and carers:

Is my child too ill for school? – NHS

Punctuality

Being on time helps children to settle into their morning routines and ensures they do not miss important learning.

Children arriving after 8.55am will be recorded as late. If a child arrives after the register closes at 9.10am, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session.

Attendance concerns

We monitor attendance carefully as part of our responsibility for children's education, wellbeing and safeguarding. Where attendance begins to fall, we will work with families to understand the reasons, identify any barriers and agree appropriate support.

Where unauthorised absence continues, formal action may be considered in line with the Department for Education's national attendance framework and our Attendance Policy.

The national threshold for considering a Penalty Notice is 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of 10 school weeks. This can include a combination of unauthorised absence and arriving after the register has closed.

Leave during term time

Headteachers may only grant a leave of absence during term time where exceptional circumstances apply. Family holidays and other recreational or leisure activities would not normally be considered exceptional circumstances.

Parents and carers should complete a Leave of Absence Request Form for any planned absence from school. Requests should be made in advance wherever possible.

Unauthorised term-time absence may contribute towards the national threshold for a Penalty Notice.

Working together

Our priority is always to work with children and families to achieve the best possible attendance. If you are experiencing difficulties that are affecting your child's attendance, please speak to us as early as possible so that we can help.

Please see our Attendance Policy and Supporting your child's attendance below for further information.