The importance of regular school attendance and punctuality

Regular attendance at school is vital to help children achieve and get the best possible start in life.

Children who frequently miss school often fall behind. There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results. For example, only 12% of pupils with below 80% school attendance achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and Maths, compared to 68% for pupils with attendance greater than 95%.

Good attendance at school shows potential employers that a young person is reliable. Young people who are frequently absent from school are more likely to become involved in, or be a victim of crime and anti-social behaviour.
All schools in Leeds have their own attendance policies and are responsible for keeping accurate records of pupil attendance. They will contact parents directly if they have any concerns about a child’s attendance. Leeds City Council offers a range of services to support families who encounter difficulties in ensuring their children attend school regularly.

Being on time is really important.

School starts at 8.40am for Reception, Years 4-6 and at 8.45am for Nursery and Years 1-3. Any children arriving after this time, will be late. Arriving in to a lesson that has already started, can be difficult for children and should only be for exceptional reasons. Being late on a regular basis will not help prepare your child for work. Reducing the number of children who are late, regularly, is a focus for Mrs Price.

Your responsibilities as a parent

All children aged between 5 and 16 are required by law to receive an education, and it is the duty of parents and carers to ensure that they are supported to do so.

Children sometimes have to miss school because of illness or if they have long term medical issues. If this is the case, parents should contact school the same day to let them know the reason that their child is not in school.

More information about school attendance can be found on the Leeds City Council website.

Fines will be issued and especially now, this is something that schools never want to do. Please help us with this, by not removing your child in school time.

Our Attendance Lead is Mrs Jo Price and can be contacted on jo.price@allertonceprimary.com should you have any queries regarding our policy. Mrs Price works until 1.30pm each day.

Leave can only be granted by schools if there are exceptional circumstances. To apply in advance please complete the appropriate form. See below.