Attendance

At Wansdyke Primary School we want and expect our pupils to attend school every day, unless they are really not well enough to.

We believe children who attend regularly are more likely to feel settled in school, maintain friendships, keep up with their learning and gain the greatest benefit from their education.

Attending on time every day also helps pupils form good habits which can stay with them throughout their education and on into the workplace.

Support for your child in school

Please remember we are here to help in any way we can. If you have any concerns about your child that you wish to discuss with us, please do get in touch.

You can contact us by emailing office@wansdykeschool.org.uk or phoning the school office 0117 903 0218.

Arriving at school on time

Arriving at school on time is not only essential for the pupil’s own learning, it encourages habits of good timekeeping and lessens any classroom disruption. Late arrival means pupils risk missing important information which can seriously disadvantage them.

Pupils can arrive from 8.45am and enter their classroom. Breakfast club is also available daily from 7.50am and can be booked through the school office.

• All pupils are expected to arrive at school in good time for the start of the school day at 9am.
• If a pupil arrives after 9am they will be marked in the register as late.

Staff may ask to meet with parents/carers of pupils who regularly arrive late to discuss reasons for lateness and explore solutions.

Illness

Pupils must attend school every day that the school is open unless they are genuinely too unwell to do so.

Minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, headaches or tiredness should not usually prevent a child from attending school. If your child is feeling slightly under the weather but is well enough to attend, please let a member of staff know at drop-off or complete the online “under the weather” check-in form.

The form helps us make staff aware of how your child is feeling so that we can provide any additional monitoring, reassurance or support they may need during the school day. It also gives families an opportunity to share any symptoms, concerns or strategies that may help their child have a successful day in school. We hope this reassures families that children do not need to be feeling 100% to attend school and that, where appropriate, we can work together to support them throughout the day.

If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, please contact the school office and we will be happy to advise.

If your child is too unwell to attend, you must notify the school before 9.00am on the first day of absence. If the absence continues, you will need to contact the school each morning unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed.

When reporting an absence, please provide details of your child’s symptoms, when they started, and when you expect your child to be well enough to return to school.

By law, schools are required to record all absences and determine whether they are authorised or unauthorised.

Under the weather

At Wansdyke, we know that children do not always feel 100% but can often still benefit from attending school. Minor coughs, colds, tiredness and other low-level illnesses can sometimes make mornings a difficult decision for families.

To help support both children’s wellbeing and attendance, we have introduced the Wansdyke “Under the Weather” Check-In Form.

Wherever possible, we encourage parents to share any relevant information directly with their child’s class teacher, as this is often the quickest and most effective way to communicate how your child is feeling. However, we know that this is not always possible during busy mornings. The Wansdyke “Under the Weather” Check-In Form provides an easy alternative, ensuring important information reaches the right staff and that your child receives any additional support, reassurance or monitoring they may need throughout the day.

If your child is feeling under the weather but is still well enough to attend school, you can complete this short form before school. It allows us to make staff aware, keep an extra eye on your child during the day, and provide any additional reassurance or support they may need. The form also gives you the opportunity to let us know about any symptoms, concerns or support that might help your child have a successful day in school.

We hope this provides reassurance to families that children do not need to be feeling 100% to attend school and that, where appropriate, we can work together to support them through the school day.

Please complete the Wansdyke “Under the Weather” Check-In Form if your child is feeling under the weather but is well enough to attend school.

Medical and dental appointments

Please try to avoid medical and dental appointments in school time. If this is unavoidable, arrange appointments so the minimum school time is lost. Unless it is an emergency appointment, parents/carers are expected to let the School know about the appointment in advance, with evidence of the appointment.

Unexplained absences

The School will follow up any pupil absences where the parent/carer has not contacted us to explain why, or where we are unclear about the reason for absence.

If you fail to notify us of the reason for your child’s absence, it will be recorded as unauthorised.

Where the School has cause for concern about the reason for a pupil’s absence, staff may seek additional information or evidence from parents/carers, and/or make a home visit to verify the reason.

Unauthorised absences may result in a penalty notice or prosecution.

Important reminder about term time leave

Attending school every day helps children and young people maximise their learning and enjoy the benefits of their education. It really does make a difference.

For that reason, the School will not authorise any leave of absence in term time, unless satisfied the reason is exceptional.

We ask parents and carers to request permission in advance, and only if absolutely necessary. Any requests should be put in writing via the leave of absence request form (paper copies are available from the school office) and wherever possible with at least four weeks’ notice. The parent or carer who the child normally lives with should make the application.

Parents and carers are reminded that unauthorised term-time leave may result in a penalty notice or prosecution.

Further information

If you have any questions about the information provided, or any other attendance related questions, please contact the school office.

• Attendance guidance
• Attendance policy