Attendance
Attendance at Newton Primary School
At Newton Primary School, we are very proud that so many of our children attend school regularly. Good attendance helps children to feel settled, build strong friendships and make the most of every learning opportunity.
We are required by law to monitor pupils’ attendance and to work with families where concerns arise. We understand that there may be times when attendance is affected by illness or other circumstances, and we encourage parents and carers to speak to us as early as possible.
For advice, support or any questions about attendance, please contact Mrs Carol Wain or Mrs Sarah Hughes through the school office.
The Importance of Good Attendance
Regular attendance is an important part of giving every child the best possible start in life. At Newton Primary School, we encourage all pupils to aim for excellent attendance so that they can make the most of every learning opportunity.
Education is about much more than academic progress and achievement. Being in school regularly helps children to build friendships, develop confidence, establish positive routines and feel that they truly belong to our Newton school community.
Every day in school matters, and we're committed to working supportively with families to help children attend regularly and thrive.
For more information about Parent and Carer responsibilities click on this DCC website.
Good attendance is a shared responsibility. At Newton Primary School, we work in partnership with children, families, governors and Derbyshire County Council to understand barriers, offer support early and help every child benefit from regular attendance.
Responsibilities
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Parents and carers are expected to: |
Newton Primary School will: |
The Governing Body will: |
Derbyshire County Council is expected to: |
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• Make sure their child attends school every day it is open, except when a valid reason applies. • Tell the school as soon as possible when their child is unexpectedly absent, for example because of illness. • Provide the reason for absence and keep the school informed daily if the absence continues. • Request leave of absence only in exceptional circumstances and apply in advance. • Arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside the school day wherever possible. • Work openly with the school when attendance concerns arise and engage with support offered. |
• Publish a clear attendance policy that is understood by staff, pupils, parents and carers. • Develop and maintain a positive whole-school culture that promotes the benefits of good attendance. • Keep accurate admission and attendance registers. • Operate a robust daily process for following up unexplained absence promptly. • Have a named senior leader with overall responsibility for championing and improving attendance. • Monitor attendance carefully, identify concerns early and work supportively with children and families. • Work with Derbyshire County Council and other services when additional support or formal intervention is needed. • Make reasonable adjustments and work sensitively with families where SEND, health or other barriers affect attendance. |
• Take an active role in improving attendance and ensure that it remains a school priority. • Work with school leaders to develop and sustain a positive culture of attendance. • Ensure that school leaders fulfil their statutory attendance duties. • Review attendance information regularly, including the attendance of vulnerable groups. • Provide appropriate support and challenge to school leaders. • Ensure that staff receive suitable attendance training and that resources are used effectively. |
• Take a strategic approach to improving attendance across Derbyshire and make attendance a priority across relevant services. • Provide a School Attendance Support Team that works with schools to remove barriers to attendance. • Provide the school with a named point of contact for attendance advice and support. • Offer opportunities for schools to share effective practice. • Work with schools and families where attendance support has not been successful or where legal intervention may be required. • Carry out its statutory duties relating to children missing education and pupils who cannot attend because of health needs. |
We know that there can be genuine barriers to attendance. Families are encouraged to speak to Mrs Carol Wain or Mrs Sarah Hughes as early as possible so that we can listen, understand and offer support.
Based on the Department for Education's statutory guidance, Working together to improve school attendance. Please read this alongside Newton Primary School's Attendance Policy.
