Information for Parents
Good attendance is essential for children’s learning, wellbeing and progress. At Boroughbridge Primary School and Nursery, we work closely with families to promote regular attendance and to address any concerns as early as possible.
How we support good attendance
- Attendance is monitored by the Attendance Officer, supported by senior leaders.
- Attendance data is used to identify early patterns of absence so support can be put in place quickly.
- If attendance becomes a concern, we will contact parents and may:
– Send letters or arrange attendance meetings
– Work with the Local Authority attendance team
– Use legal measures, including fixed penalty notices, where necessary
Our priority is always to offer support first and work in partnership with families to remove barriers to attendance.
Working with parents
- We value positive, respectful relationships with families and believe open communication is key.
- Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school every day it is open, unless they are unwell or have authorised absence.
- Parents are kept regularly informed about their child’s attendance and punctuality.
- Where concerns arise, we work together to understand the reasons and agree next steps.
- If difficulties relate to school, these will be addressed promptly.
- If difficulties are outside school, such as family or health concerns, we may work with external agencies to provide additional support.
Recognising good attendance
We celebrate and encourage good attendance and punctuality through:
- Termly certificates for:100% attendance
– Attendance of 97% or above
– Personal attendance targets - Positive messages to parents when attendance improves significantly
- Weekly Celebration Assemblies
- Attendance posters displayed in classrooms
- A whole-class attendance minutes reward system
We ensure that pupils with medical needs or challenging circumstances are treated fairly through the use of personalised attendance targets where appropriate.
Every Minute Counts
Every Day Counts
Reporting your child’s absence
Please inform school office of any sickness/absence using Arbor. This can only be done on the day of absence so if your child is sick on multiple days, please log the absence each morning. Please note that we have a 48 hour rule for sickness and diarrhoea.
Leave of Absence
A Leave of Absence will only be granted in Exceptional Circumstances, at the discretion of the Headteacher. Parents/carers must obtain the school’s permission otherwise the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. No parent/carer can demand leave of absence as of right. A Leave of Absence form must be completed by a parent/carer as far in advance as possible and preferably at least six weeks before the first date of the period of leave being requested.
Penalty Notices
Please see Changes to Education – related Penalty Notices and FAQs