School Attendance

If children do not regularly attend school, they cannot learn and evidence shows a strong link between attendance and children progressing and reaching their full potential both academically and socially. As a result, at Unicorn Primary School we have high expectations of attendance from all pupils. We strive for every child to be in school every day, unless they are ill.

The Department for Education has issued new and stricter guidelines for absences to which schools must abide:

“Regular attendance is crucial to raising and maintaining high attainment. If pupils do not come to school, they cannot learn what is taught in a lesson, practise what has been taught, or improve on their performance. There is a clear correlation. Pupils who attend regularly achieve more highly.” (OFSTED Framework section 4.3)

To this end, no unauthorised leave will be given to children for holidays or travel during term time, except in exceptional circumstances. Such leave will be marked as unauthorised and the matter will be referred to the Educational Welfare Officer who has the authority to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.