Attendance & Punctuality
Why Attendance Matters
At Penwortham Primary School, we believe that every school day matters. Regular, punctual attendance ensures children benefit fully from the high‑quality learning, relationships, and opportunities we offer. When pupils attend school consistently, they:
make better academic progress
build secure friendships
develop confidence, wellbeing and resilience
establish positive routines for life and work
As highlighted nationally, irregular or low attendance can disrupt learning, widen gaps in knowledge, and affect a child’s sense of belonging in school. Our priority is to ensure every child is Here, Every day, Ready, On time – an Attendance H.E.R.O.
Attendance is everyone’s responsibility, and we work in partnership with families to secure the very best outcomes for every child.
How We Monitor Attendance & Punctuality
We monitor pupil attendance daily and analyse emerging patterns so we can offer early, supportive intervention where needed. Clear routines, consistent expectations and proactive support...
Attendance is checked each morning and afternoon.
Absences are recorded as authorised or unauthorised in line with DfE requirements.
The Attendance Team reviews attendance weekly to ensure any concerns are identified immediately.
Class attendance figures are shared in newsletters and celebration assemblies to promote a positive culture around attendance.
Children whose attendance falls below 92% will be supported through an individual plan to help them return to regular, sustained attendance.
Persistent Absence
The Government defines persistent absence as missing 19 days (38 sessions) or more across the school year. Persistent absence affects learning, wellbeing and friendship groups and can significantly impact a child’s long‑term progress.
We work closely with families to overcome barriers early, offering support and strategies to improve attendance. Engagement with school is essential in ensuring no child misses out on their education.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unable to attend school, please contact us as early as possible on the first day of absence and each day thereafter.
You can report an absence by:
Calling the school office between 8:00–9:00am
Leaving a voicemail before 8:00am
Using the School Spider absence feature
Providing your child’s name, class and specific reason for absence
If no message has been received by 9:30am, we will contact you directly to ensure your child is safe.
For medical absences, we may request evidence such as a prescription, appointment card or medical note. This helps us authorise absences accurately and monitor any emerging patterns.
If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend, please speak with the school office or refer to NHS guidance.
Requesting Leave During Term Time
In line with national regulations, there is no automatic right to term‑time leave. The Headteacher may only grant leave in exceptional circumstances.
When considering requests, we take into account:
your child’s attendance history
the reason for the leave
the timing in the school year
the potential impact on learning
All requests must be submitted using the Withdrawal from Learning form at least 14 days in advance. Letters or verbal requests cannot be accepted.
If a request is unauthorised and a child is taken out of school, a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued in line with Local Authority procedures.
Understanding Types of Absence
Authorised Absences
Illness, medical appointments, emergencies and other reasons deemed acceptable.
Unauthorised Absences
Absences not recognised as legitimate — including:
birthdays
shopping or day trips
a sibling being unwell
oversleeping or missing school due to lost uniform
holidays not approved as exceptional circumstances
Families with repeated unauthorised absences may be monitored by the Local Authority’s Education Welfare or Inclusion Officer.
Encouraging & Celebrating Good Attendance
We want every child to feel motivated and proud of their attendance. At Penwortham, we:
celebrate weekly, half‑termly and yearly attendance
recognise improvements as well as high attendance
offer class rewards, including extra playtime and class treats
celebrate 100% termly and annual attendance
share updates through newsletters and assemblies
meet regularly with families to support improvements
work closely with Lancashire’s Education Welfare Service
Our shared goal is simple: every child safe, happy, learning and achieving.
Working Together
Every day in school makes a difference. By working together, we can ensure all children have the best possible chance to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
If you have questions or need support regarding attendance, please contact the school office. We are here to help. At Penwortham Primary School, we know the impact regular attendance has on your child’s learning and well-being; and that having good attendance is directly linked to raising achievement and develops skills for life and work.
We have many initiatives to celebrate and support attendance in school and ask that parents/careers support the school in this by ensuring that your child attends school every day and on time at 8.45am. Below is a summary of expectations of parents with regard to school attendance.
We ask our children to be an Attendance H.E.R.O. (Here Every day Ready On time) and help us achieve our school attendance target of 97%.
