Attendance Matters
Absence
When children are poorly, parents must phone the office before 9.30 a.m. to report their child’s absence or let us know by using the Arbor app. If we have received no reason for the absence by 9.30 a.m., the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Admin staff will chase up any unexplained absences and members of our Behaviour Team will visit family houses if we are unable to contact parents. We would also expect to be notified if your child has a medical appointment. At Boothferry, our target is 95 % attendance. If a pupil’s attendance drops beneath this, they become ‘a cause for concern’ and will be monitored. Families with persistent attendance issues run the risk of being contacted by the Local Authority Officer.
Punctuality
Punctuality is an important social convention and late arrivals disrupt the routines of the school. At Boothferry, we support and challenge families that are regularly late. We would therefore request that parents make every effort to ensure their child(ren) are in school for 8.55 a.m. To aid this, we open the classroom doors at 8.40 a.m., partly to ease congestion and partly to allow the children to settle. We set ‘early’ work at these times.
It is worth remembering that if your child arrives after the registers have closed (after 9.00 a.m.), they will not be able to receive their morning mark for the session, affecting their overall attendance. Staff, including our Behaviour Team and Senior Management are always available on the gate in the morning if you feel you need support.
Term Time Holidays
The school has no authority to authorise absence for a family holiday during term time as time missed from education has a detrimental impact on progress. Any such absence is unauthorised and is liable for a fixed term penalty notice. We would appreciate advanced notification of any absence wherever possible so we can account for your child’s absence.
Research shows that consistent, regular attendance at school is the most important factor in ensuring the best individual outcomes for young people. In order to help understand your child’s attendance we have included the following in our end of year reports.
By logging in to the Arbor Parent App, you can get up to date information about your child’s attendance.
The effect of poor attendance over time
From the age of 5, parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive full time education and arrive on time (before 8.55 a.m.). Regular attendance is essential if children are to progress with their learning. Children have only 190 days per year in school. At Boothferry, we always encourage good attendance, rewarding and challenging where necessary.
Whole school attendance letters
“Pupils behave consistently well. They display very positive attitudes towards their learning.”
“The support that pupils with SEND receive is exemplary. Pupils with SEND are flourishing.”
“Staff who are new to the profession flourish due to the effective support and professional development provided.”
“Pupils understand difference and diversity. They know that everyone deserves to be respected.”
“Staff are proud to work in this school.”
“Children in early years quickly master new sounds in phonics and enjoy curling up with their favourite book.”
“Leaders deliberately broaden pupils’ experiences by enabling them to take on responsibilities within school.”
“The school has established a vibrant curriculum for all pupils. Adults bring learning to life through the many opportunities that the curriculum offers.”
“Leaders have made reading a priority. Staff share carefully chosen stories that inspire pupils to read.”
“Pupils feel valued and are proud to be themselves. The school is a very happy place to learn.”
“Leaders at Boothferry Primary School have established a distinctive school vision based on respect, cooperation and ‘international mindedness’.”
“Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum. The school has clearly identified the most important knowledge that pupils need to learn.”
