Attendance

Attendance

Our Senior Attendance Champion (the senior leader responsible for the strategic approach to attendance in our school) is: Sally Dakin

At Castle Primary School we are proud to be part of a Trust that places high value on excellent attendance. It is not just a school expectation—it is a Trust-wide commitment that every pupil attends school regularly to maximise their learning and development.

 Attendance Target for 2026/2027

The Trust’s attendance target for all pupils is 96% across the academic year. This equates to no more than 7 days of absence per year. This target aligns with the Government’s national expectation and reflects our shared belief that consistent attendance is essential for academic success and personal growth.

 Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance ensures that children do not miss vital learning opportunities, especially in core subjects such as reading, writing and maths. Evidence shows that children with good attendance are more likely to achieve their full potential.

 We ask parents and carers to support us by avoiding holidays during term time, as these can significantly disrupt a child’s progress.

 Understanding Attendance Percentages

 

What could happen if attendance drops below 96%?

How to Report an Absence

Please contact the Office by 9.30am on each day of absence.

Telephone: 

We require the following information:

• Your child’s name and year group/class
• The reason for absence
• The expected date of return

Lateness to School

Arriving Late

Pupils who arrive after 8.50am are considered late and this will be recorded on the register.

We expect punctuality from all pupils. Being “just a little bit late” every day has a significant impact on learning time over the course of a school year.

Being late to school on a regular basis quickly adds up to a significant loss of learning time. 

 

“They only missed just…”	That equals…	Which is…	And over a school career…
10 minutes per day	50 minutes per week	Nearly 1.5 weeks per year	Nearly 0.5 school years
20 minutes per day	1 hour 40 minutes per week	Over 2.5 weeks per year	Nearly 1 school year
30 minutes per day	Half a day per week	4 weeks per year	Nearly 1.5 school years
1 hour per day	1 day per week	8 weeks per year	Over 2.5 school years

 

Absence During Term Time

The Headteacher will only authorise absences in exceptional circumstances. You will be informed whether the absence is authorised or not. Unauthorised absences can have serious consequences. We urge all families to follow the correct procedures and prioritise school attendance.

Penalty Notices and Legal Responsibilities

Under the Education Act (1996), parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school regularly. If a child has 10 consecutive sessions (equivalent to 5 full school days) of unauthorised absence, parents may be issued with a Penalty Notice.

 Initial Penalty Notice: £160 per parent, per child (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days).

Failure to Pay: May result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

 From August 2024, if a second penalty notice is issued within a 3-year rolling period, the fine will remain at £160 with no discount. A maximum of two penalty notices may be issued per parent, per child in that period. Further offences may lead to legal action by the Local Authority.

We appreciate your continued support in ensuring your child attends school every day. Together, we can give every child the best possible start in life.