Moments Matter; Attendance Counts

Improving attendance is everyone’s responsibility. The barriers to accessing education are wide and complex, both within and beyond the school gates, and are often specific to individual pupils and families.  Attendance is a key priority for us at Tyldesley Primary School: from the first day of term to the last, every lesson, and each moment (big or small) makes a difference to a child's learning and their wellbeing.  

Moments Matter; Attendance Counts (DfE manifesto)

"What moment they found a new best friend queuing up for pudding.

That time fractions suddenly clicked.

That day cavemen came to live in the playground.

That science lesson when a mento and a cola 'rocket' sprayed everywhere.

Breaking a school record on sports day.

When they helped catch the escaped rabbit.

Helping to build props for the school play.

When they baked cupcakes that were actually edible (just).

Performing that encore at the school concert.

From the first day of term to the last, each moment big or small, makes a big difference to a child's wellbeing.

Positive, real, life-changing moments.

And in a school year there are hundreds of them.

What a difference a school day makes." 

This manifesto underlines the importance of attending school: every day and every week is a new opportunity for children to attend school every day in order to maximise their learning.

Attendance at Tyldesley Primary School

Life only provides one chance to gain a childhood education. Failure to attend school can result in missed opportunities, disruption to a child’s education and could impact his/her long-term attainment and life-chances.

Punctuality

Whilst we appreciate that most parents and carers understand the importance of punctuality and do their best to get their children to school in time for the start of the school day, we are aware that other families may find it difficult getting their children to school ‘on time’. In these cases, our Pastoral Team (Mrs Atherton and Mrs Coleman) are available to support you.

The school day starts with the opening of classroom doors at 8:45am; the classroom doors will close at 9am. If a child arrives at school after this time, without prior arrangements having been agreed, he/she will be deemed late. Pupils arriving at school after 9:00am must report to the school office to be signed in. Register closes at 9:15am: arrival to school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Absence Procedures

On the first day of absence, parents/carers should telephone or call in to the school office before 9:00am to inform school of the reason for the pupil's absence and the likely duration of the absence.  

Parents/carers should contact school every day until the pupil returns.  In circumstances of longer absences, the length of absence and the reasons why it is known the pupil will be unable to attend must be communicated with school, and 'check-in' dates agreed.  

 As a school, we have a duty of care to all of our children: if school has not been notified of a child’s absence, the school office will attempt to make contact using the telephone numbers on the child’s data collection sheet to confirm their whereabouts. If school do not get a response, a home visit will be made by a member of our Pastoral Team along with a senior leader to ensure that the child is safe and accounted for.

Authorised Absences

These are absences where there are genuine reasons for a child being absent from school. In most cases, this will be for an illness which would mean that attending school would make that illness worse or that it would be passed on to other children; or in the case of a medical appointment which cannot be taken outside of school hours.

Unauthorised Absences

These are times where there is no justifiable reason as to why a child is absent.

How can parents/carers help with attendance?

• Keep requests for your child’s absence to a minimum.
• Offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence.
• Ensure that your child arrives at school on time: a reason should be offered for any lateness.
• Work closely with the school to resolve any problems that may affect a child’s attendance.
• Take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused.
• Be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times.