Attendance & Punctuality
Every Lesson Counts!
At St Stephens Infant Schools pupils’ learning is at the heart of everything we do, but children cannot learn if they are absent.
Absence from school has a proven negative effect on individual pupil progress, attainment, class learning and attitudes to school.
Effective schools must convey a positive attitude for regular attendance to parents / carers, pupils and teachers.
St Stephens Infant school is proactive in promoting regular attendance and punctuality ensuring that pupils take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.
What can parents / carers do to help support their child's attendance?
- Let the school know the first morning why your son/daughter is away.
- Try to make medical, optician etc appointments outside school time.
- Do not allow your child to have time off school unless it is really necessary.
- Do not book family holidays during term time.
- Arrive on time for the start and end of the school day.
If you are worried about your child’s attendance at school what can you do?
- Talk to your son/daughter; it may be something simple.
- Talk to your child's class teacher
- Talk to the Parent Link Officer
- Talk to the Headteacher
If your concerns continue….
- You may contact the Associate Education Welfare Officer, who will work with you and the school to resolve the situation. (Number available from the School Office)
- A penalty notice or prosecution will only be recommended as a last resort when all other interventions have failed to improve attendance.