Attendance and punctuality

As you know everybody at Phoenix Infant and Nursery School is committed to ensuring that each of our children gets the best possible start in life. We work incredibly hard at Phoenix to ensure the children enjoy and want to come to school.     Regular attendance is crucial for your child to learn to the best of their ability. Good attendance needs to be at least 97%.

ATTENDANCE UPDATE – Getting your child into good habits at the beginning of the year is vital.

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued new statutory guidance for all schools regarding attendance. This guidance will take effect on 19th August 2024, coinciding with the new academic year.  The full guidance is available via this link: Working together to improve school attendance (applies from 19 August 2024) (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Phoenix Infant and Nursery School believes that all our children deserve the very best and are entitled to a full education.

A huge thank you to parents and carers who already ensure that their child’s attendance is as high as possible.  We do have some families where attendance is a concern, and we want to improve outcomes for all our families.

 Key information for parents and carers regarding the guidance

• To manage and improve attendance effectively, the school and it’s partners will work with pupils, parents and carers collaboratively to remove any barriers to attendance by building strong and trusting relationships and by working together to put the right support in place.

• The DfE has changed the fining system which we are required to adopt.  Our school does not receive any money from any fines issued by the Local Authority.

• Penalty Notice fines may be issued for term time leave of five or more consecutive days and for fewer days where absence has happened before.

• 10 Sessions of Unauthorised Absence in a 10-week period: Penalty Notice fines may be considered when there have been 10 sessions of absence in a 10-week period.

• Follow the links for further guidance issued by DfE for parents and carers:

How to improve your child’s school attendance and where to get support   – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)

Fines for parents for taking children out of school: What you need to know – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk) 

 DfE external document template (childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)

DFE Attendance Hubs

Our school accesses the resources and best practice of three DfE Attendance Hubs which were created to support attendance improvement in schools. Major national drive to improve school attendance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We also access different Attendance Hub resources via the White Hills Park Trust as well as the Local Authority.

We are committed to improved attendance as this is the essential foundation to positive outcomes for all our pupils.

High levels of attendance not only support academic learning but also fosters social skills, builds relationships with peers and teachers, and contributes to overall personal development. Being part of the school community on a daily basis enhances students' engagement, motivation, and sense of belonging, all of which are vital for their growth and success.

We are committed to working with families to overcome any barriers to attendance and to providing an environment where every child can thrive.  Your partnership with us is crucial in promoting a culture of regular attendance and supporting your child’s educational journey. If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, please contact the school.

Please work with us to ensure all children achieve their potential through good attendance.

Don’t let your child miss out.

   Encourage regular attendance and punctuality.