Attendance

At East Dene Primary School, we believe that every day counts. Regular attendance and good punctuality are essential to ensure every child has the best opportunity to learn, achieve and thrive.

Children who attend school every day build strong friendships, develop confidence, make consistent academic progress and enjoy the many opportunities school life has to offer. Missing school, even for short periods, can make it more difficult for children to keep up with learning and can affect their wellbeing and sense of belonging.

We work closely with our families to promote excellent attendance and recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in establishing positive routines and ensuring their child attends school every day, unless they are genuinely too unwell to do so. Our aim is always to work in partnership with families, offering support where needed and addressing any barriers to attendance as early as possible.

Our Attendance Team monitors attendance carefully and follows up all absences promptly to ensure every child is safe and receives the support they need. Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work sensitively with families to understand any challenges and identify appropriate support. This may include meetings, Early Help or referrals to external agencies where appropriate.

The Department for Education has made attendance a national priority, and all schools are expected to follow statutory guidance regarding authorised and unauthorised absences. This includes taking action where children have 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period, which may result in a Penalty Notice being issued in line with current government guidance.

At East Dene Primary School, we believe that recognising and celebrating good attendance helps children develop positive habits that will benefit them throughout their education. Alongside our weekly, termly and annual attendance rewards, we also hold exciting Spotlight Days each half term. A Spotlight Day is a surprise attendance reward day chosen at random during the half term. Children do not know when it will take place, making it an exciting incentive to attend school every day. Any child who is in school on the chosen day receives a special reward, celebrating their commitment to excellent attendance.

Above all, we want every child to feel happy, safe and excited to come to school each day. By working together with our families, we can ensure every child has the best possible chance to succeed, both now and in the future.