Attendance
Our aim is to bring the best out of every pupil that attends Anthony Curton CofE Primary School
The Importance Of Attendance
Understanding Attendance Figures
A child’s attendance is recorded based on their presence for both the morning and afternoon registers. Each school day is therefore made up of two sessions, and a child must be in school on time to be marked present for each session.
Both sessions contribute to your child’s overall attendance figure, which is calculated as a percentage of the total number of sessions they have attended during the current academic year.
In certain circumstances, a child may be marked as present even if they are not physically on the school site. This includes situations where they are being educated at an alternative location or are participating in a school-organised activity such as a residential visit or sporting event.
There are various reasons why a child may be absent from school. In all cases, the school records an appropriate attendance code in the register to ensure staff are aware of the reason for the absence.
Authorised Absence
An absence from school may be authorised for the following reasons:
- Medical appointments
- Illness, where the school has been informed by phone or in writing
(Please note: for absences lasting more than three days, a GP note may be required. A 5-day welfare check will be conducted in the form of a home visit for any child absent for 5 days, regardless of whether the absence is reported or authorised, to serve as a mandatory wellbeing check as per the Trusts Absence Policy). - Religious observance
Please be aware that even when an absence is authorised, it is still recorded as the child not being in school and will therefore have a negative impact on their overall attendance percentage.
Absences will be recorded as unauthorised in all other circumstances unless they are considered ‘exceptional’ and approved by the Headteacher. Term-time holidays are not regarded as exceptional circumstances and will always be recorded as unauthorised.
Further information regarding unauthorised term‑time leave, provided by Norfolk County Council Local Authority, can be found below.
Why Attendance Is So Important
Children’s learning develops step by step, with new skills and knowledge building on what has already been taught. Teachers plan lessons carefully each day to support this progress and to ensure that learning flows from lesson to lesson.
When a child misses even a single session, they may miss an important piece of learning that supports future lessons. Although staff always work hard to help children catch up on their return, this can never fully replace the benefit of being present in class and can also reduce valuable learning time for everyone.
Missing a number of sessions can have a noticeable impact on a child’s academic progress, confidence, and enjoyment of learning, making it harder for them to keep up with their peers.
Good attendance is also vital for children’s social development. Regular attendance helps children build secure friendships, develop social skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community. Children who are frequently absent may miss these opportunities and can sometimes find it more difficult to form and maintain positive relationships.
We greatly value the support of parents and carers in ensuring children attend school regularly, as this plays a crucial role in helping them thrive both academically and socially.