Accrington Huncoat Primary School
Attendance
What are my responsibilities regarding my child’s school attendance?
As a parent/carer it is your responsibility to ensure that a child of compulsory school age attends school both regularly and punctually. The local authority has a duty to ensure that all parents/carers fulfil this responsibility.
The DFE deems satisfactory attendance as 96.1% or above.
At Huncoat, our attendance target is 96.3%.
Promoting Good Attendance:
We try to promote Good Attendance here at Huncoat:
- each week we announce the class with the best attendance on Friday for an extra PE slot next week
- at the end of each half term you will see the 'stars' of the children with 100% for the half term
- the class with the best attendance at the end of each half term can win: a class non uniform day/ hot chocolate and cookies/ wear your pjs day
We work with our parents to offer:
- Early Help and support where needed
- conduct home visits
- Early Response phone calls
- informal meetings and pastoral care
- Mental Health support for children who struggle
Why is it important for my child to attend school regularly?
- regular school attendance and good punctuality means your child can make the most of their education, this will improve their choices in adult life and it will also help them when they enter the world of work
- school helps children and young people with their social skills, making and maintaining friendships, building confidence and self esteem
- if your child does not attend school regularly it could affect their attainment grades in exams, tests and assignments because of missed work
Is it important to attend School? Our children said:
"Yes you learn more" (Yr1) "Its makes you knowledgeable" (Yr2) "I know more maths" (yr1) "I can be off if I'm poorly" (yr1) "If I'm poorly I dont want to spread germs (Yr2)
"It's better than being stuck at home" (yr3) "You meet others if you are at school" (Yr3) "School is fun" (Yr4) "School helps you learn" (yr4)
"You need a good education for a good job" (yr4) "If you miss sessions you are on catch up all day/week" (yr6) "Really important for a good job" (yr5)
"If you miss school you fall behind" (Yr6) "It makes me stressed if I miss school" (Yr6) "It is nice to have a holiday though!" (Yr5)
How can I help my child attend school regularly?
- always talk to your child about school
- take a positive interest in your child’s work including homework
- keep in touch with school staff via planners/homework diaries or speaking with their teachers
- always contact your child’s school on the first day of absence
- attend parent’s evening and other school events
Can I get help if my child is not attending school regularly?
You should always contact the school first to discuss your concerns. They should be able to offer support and advice.
If school staff are unable to resolve the issues they may suggest you contact the Pupil Attendance Support Team for advice and guidance.
At Huncoat Primary School, our attendance manager is Mrs Benson, you are welcome to speak to her about any attendance issues or concerns you may have.
What will happen if my child does not attend school regularly?
- the school should contact you if they are concerned about your child’s attendance
- a referral could be made to the Pupil Attendance Support Team
A range of measures will be used to enforce attendance legislation where parents do no fulfil their duty to ensure that their children attend school regularly. These include:
- entry in to the Local Authority Enforcement Procedure which may lead to prosecution in the Magistrates Court and each parent may receive a Parenting Order, a Community Sentence or a fine up to £2500
- each parent can be issued with a Penalty Notice for Unauthorised Absence or for taking an Unauthorised Holiday in Term time
Remember school gives your child a wide range of opportunities and experiences both academic and social allowing them to develop their interests and achieve their full potential.
A copy of our School Attendance Policy can be downloaded below
A parents guide to school attendance can be downloaded below.
