The positive benefits of excellent attendance.

At St Michaels Primary School we pride ourselves in our high attendance rates @ 96.5% 

We believe there are positive benefits to be gained from regular attendance; this includes not only coming to school every day, but also being there on time. We strive to form strong partnerships with parents to achieve this.

We believe the positive benefits are:

Good habits

Children who attend everyday develop a feel for the rhythm of the week and gain a sense of security from some regular elements, even when the pattern or focus of their learning or activity may vary from week to week. This builds in the children the idea that getting up and going to a setting is simply what you do.

Secure friendships and relationships

Children find it easier to build and sustain a range of friendships and social relationships when they regularly attend school. Regular attendance helps to develop secure attachments with adults and friends alike. School is an important place for children to learn and develop their capacity for social interactions, to build lasting and supportive relationships and to understand how to live harmoniously and respectfully alongside others.

Self-esteem

Children who have high attendance and arrive on time are more likely to feel good about themselves. This is because they know what goes on and what to expect, feel more confident with adults and the other children and have the opportunities to be valued and praised for their own special contribution.

Children who regularly miss sessions or are generally late, can frequently experience a sense of having to try a little bit harder just to understand what is going on and what other children are talking about or doing.

Learning and Development

Regular attendance means that pupils reap the benefits of our well sequenced and engaging curriculum. Each day offers the next opportunity to strengthen and build upon prior learning. There is a flow and narrative to the journey through the curriculum when pupils are at school every day. They are not at risk of falling behind or developing gaps in their learning.

98%-100%

Excellent attendance- This will significantly help with a pupils achievement and attainment and life in school. This gives pupils a good start in life and supports a positive work ethic.

96%-97%

Good attendance- This is a solid platform to build upon and pupils should aspire to improve. This is in line with the national average.

91%-95%

Poor attendance- pupils with this level of attendance are below national average for attendance which may begin to affect their attainment and progress at school. It may also begin to impact on relationships with their peers.

Below 90%

High Risk- Absence at 90% is classified as Persistent Absence. Absence is a serious concern. This level of absence significantly affects attainment and progress as well as relationships with their peers. It is unacceptable within the schools expectations and targeted support strategies will be put in place for improvement.

90% attendance sounds good, but in reality it means that your child misses one half day each week and nearly four weeks every school year!

Illness

Sometimes children are too ill to come to school. Please contact the school on the first morning of absence to let us know the reason why your child is off school.

Medical Appointments

Where ever possible medical appointments should take place after school or during school holidays. If the appointment falls during school time please notify school prior to the appointment.

Holidays in Term Time

The head will consider a request for Holidays in term time only in exceptional circumstances. Requests will take into account current attendance levels of individual children and if these are deemed to be high, the holiday request will be refused. No holidays will be granted during the key testing period 10th -17th May, and it's invisible to request holiday immediately prior to this as revision and recap lessons would be missed. 

Religious Observance

On some occasions religious festivals may fall outside school holidays or weekends. It is reasonable for a parent to allow their children not to attend school on a day of religious observance if it is recognised by the parents religious body. Parents are requested to give advance notice to school if they intend their child to be absent for religious observance. No more than 3 days in total in an academic year will be authorised.