At Avenue Primary Academy we believe that good attendance is not simply a legal requirement: it is essential if pupils are to take full advantage of the range of opportunities that school offers and gain the skills that equip them for their next stage of education and for adult life. All children have a right to receive the full benefits of education; attendance is therefore an equal opportunities issue. We recognise punctuality as an important related issue as frequent lateness will cause children to miss aspects of their education, is upsetting for the child and is disruptive to others. We recognise the importance of a clear understanding of the need for regular and punctual attendance in preparing children for the workplace, and building good habits should start at an early age.

Once a child is registered at a school, the parent is legally responsible for making sure they attend regularly.

Parents/carers can help prevent children skipping school by:

• Making sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality;
• Taking an interest in their education – ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities;
• Discussing any problems they may have at school – inform their teacher or a member of the leadership team about anything serious;
• Not letting them take time off school for minor ailments – particularly those which would not prevent an adult from going to work.

Arranging appointments and outings after school hours, at weekends or during school holidays will help to prevent disruption to a child’s education and to the school. The academy will not agree to a child going on holiday during term time. Please see our attendance policy for full information, including what to do in an emergency when you may need to take your children out of school. Any request should be in writing to the head teacher in good time.

Celebratory events that take place in another country that affect your child attending school will not normally be authorised beyond a few days. There are 13 weeks of the year when children are not at school.

You will receive an up-to-date Registration Certificate with your child’s annual report. If we have any concerns about your child’s attendance these will have already been shared with you either at a Parent Consultation Day, or at some other time. Good attendance is between 96% and 100%. Registers are checked regularly by our Attendance Officer, who will contact families where issues are developing.

It is also important that children arrive at school on time every day and ready to learn. We run a breakfast club which may help many families. Doors open for children in Reception to Year 6 at 8:10am, and registration is at 8:30am. Lessons begin promptly, and any children not in school by 8:35am receive a late mark for that session. Children late after 9:00am receive a late mark recorded as unauthorised absence. Please let the class teacher (via the school office) know in advance if your child will be arriving later because of a medical appointment.

Regular attendance and excellent punctuality will ensure that your child makes the best possible progress during their primary years – please support your child by ensuring this happens.

The UK Health security agency (UKHSA) published a press release detailing back-to-school advice for parents. 

There are 5 simple steps parents can take to reduce infections spreading in the community:

1. Teach good hygiene habits - Regularly wash hands in soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser. Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, bin it and then wash hands. 

2. Stop the spread of stomach bugs - If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. You should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

3. Spot the signs of when to keep your child at home - If your child has a fever and is unwell, they should stay home from school or nursery until the fever has passed and they are well enough to attend.

If your child has diarrhoea and/or vomiting, they should stay off school or nursery for at least 48 hours after their symptoms clear up – this will help stop the spread of stomach bugs.

If you suspect your child has scarlet fever, contact your local GP and if your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all the spots have crusted over.

4. Get vaccinated - Flu vaccines can be booked through your GP or local pharmacy. You can take a look at the childhood vaccination schedule to make sure your child is up to date with all their vaccinations.

5. Use NHS resources - NHS UK provides easily accessible guidance for parents to help manage winter illness at home.

To find out more, you can read our blog about keeping children healthy this school term.

The Department for Education has also launched a campaign to drive up attendance and tackle persistent absence in schools. You can read their recent press release about the campaign using the link below.