At Mandeville Primary School, we believe that every day in school matters. Regular attendance provides children with the best opportunity to achieve academically, develop confidence, build friendships and fully participate in all aspects of school life. It enables children to develop as confident, respectful learners who are fully engaged in school life and prepared for the future.
Children who attend school regularly are more likely to make strong progress, develop positive learning habits and enjoy a sense of belonging within our school community. Every lesson, every experience and every opportunity helps children to develop academically, socially and emotionally, enabling them to flourish both in school and beyond.
Our aim is to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure every child attends school regularly and arrives ready to learn. Together, we can give children the very best opportunity to succeed.
Missing school means missing learning, friendships and important experiences that cannot always be replaced.
Even small amounts of absence can have an impact over time. Regular attendance helps children to:
achieve their best academically;
develop positive routines and resilience;
build strong friendships;
participate fully in enrichment opportunities;
feel connected to their school community.
At Mandeville, we are committed to creating a culture where attendance is valued by everyone. We recognise that regular attendance is an important part of safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing, helping us to ensure that every child is safe, supported and able to flourish.
We will:
provide a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment where children enjoy coming to school;
promote excellent attendance and punctuality through positive relationships with families;
identify attendance concerns early and work proactively with parents to improve attendance;
understand that some families experience genuine barriers to attendance and offer appropriate support wherever possible;
work with external agencies when additional support is needed;
ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive through regular school attendance.
Excellent attendance is achieved when schools and families work together.
We ask parents and carers to:
ensure their child attends school every day unless they are genuinely unwell;
arrive on time each morning so learning can begin promptly;
arrange medical appointments outside school hours wherever possible;
avoid taking holidays during term time;
communicate with the school promptly if their child is unable to attend.
If attendance becomes a concern, we will always seek to understand the reasons and work with families to identify appropriate support.
We recognise that some children may experience barriers to attending school regularly.
These may include:
physical or mental health needs;
anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA);
special educational needs or disabilities;
family circumstances;
other significant challenges.
Where difficulties arise, we believe in working alongside families to find solutions. Early communication enables us to provide the right support at the right time and helps prevent attendance concerns from becoming more significant.
Regular attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential.
Our Attendance Policy explains:
attendance expectations;
how absences should be reported;
punctuality procedures;
requests for leave during term time;
the support available for families;
the school's procedures for monitoring attendance.
Parents are encouraged to read the policy carefully.
We monitor attendance carefully throughout the year.
Where attendance begins to decline, we will work proactively with families to understand any concerns, identify barriers and agree appropriate support to help improve attendance.
Our approach is supportive, collaborative and focused on ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.
The Department for Education expects children to attend school every day during term time.
Headteachers may only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays are not normally authorised during term time.
Further information can be found in our Attendance Policy and in the Department for Education guidance below.