Attendance

At St Austin’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are essential for every child.  Children should come to school every day and  on time that school is open unless absolutely unavoidable. Promoting excellent attendance is the duty of everyone; parents/ carers, staff and pupils.  Occasionally children can be reluctant to come to school,  we would encourage parents to discuss this with the class teacher or Learning Mentor, Mr Laurie.

Why is regular school attendance so important for my child?

Regular attendance at school means that your child can make the most of their education and improve their chances in adult life. School can also help your child’s social skills such as making and developing friendships. A regular and punctual attendance pattern will help your child when they enter the world of work.

The link between attendance and attainment in school is clear. The more a pupil is in school the more they increase their opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Is my child too ill to come to school?

Please use this link for NHS guidance on when a child should be absent, for how long plus additional advice for parents.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Absence and anxiety

The Dfe have reported  that there is a recognition that ‘more children may be absent from school due to symptoms of anxiety than before the pandemic. Worry and mild or moderate anxiety, whilst sometimes difficult emotions, can be a normal part of growing up for many children and young people. Being in school can often help alleviate the underlying issues. A prolonged period of absence is likely to heighten a child’s anxiety about attending in the future, rather than reduce it.’ If you feel that your child is struggling please contact a member of our Pastoral team.

Request for leave of absence during term time

For information about term-time absences, please click here.

The law states that parents do not have a right to take their child out of school for a holiday during term time. Only in exceptional circumstances may a head teacher grant permission for leave. 

Click here for our Attendance Policy