Attendance

Regular attendance at school promotes pupils’ well-being and gives them the best chance of learning and reaching their potential. Pupils should attend school every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable.

Good attendance is important because then pupils:

• are more focussed and achieve more;

• find learning easier because they have not missed essential lessons;

• cope better with school routines, work and friendships;

• are more successful moving between primary school, secondary school, higher education and employment or training;

• are known to be safe and well by us.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting school we agree all children have the right to an education. Education promotes democracy, peace, tolerance, development and economic growth. There are a number of articles in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that focus on a child’s right to education.

Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free. Secondary education must be available for every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.

Article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.

Absence during term-time

Parents should:

• call the school office, 0191 273 0452 on the first morning of all absences before 9.00am, telling us the reason for being away;

• keep in touch by telephone, letter or email, if a child is away from school for a longer period;

• tell us about any planned absences in advance. Only request leave of absence if it is for an exceptional circumstance. 

Not coming to school is a serious concern as it affects how children learn and how happy they feel in school. However, each case is different and the school knows that there is no standard response. Consideration is given to all factors affecting attendance before deciding what intervention strategies to use as we know some families need help.

Newcastle City Council works closely with schools to monitor pupils’ attendance. It is the parent/ carers legal responsibility to ensure that  attend school regularly. It is essential that parents keep the school fully informed of any matters that may affect their child’s attendance. If there is further absence without a suitable reason, schools are advised to begin the legal process which may result in a prosecution and a fine. 

If you are experiencing any difficulties and need support with your child’s attendance, or do not understand this information, please contact the school. office or alternatively, you can contact an attendance officer at Newcastle City Council via accessandinclusion@newcastle.gov.uk or 0191 277 4500.

For further information on school attendance and absence visit 

NCC - School attendance and absence

Attendance levels

Attendance levels show our expectations and what happens next:

• 96%+, expected attendance. This will help all aspects of a child’s achievement and life in school. This will give them a good start in life and supports a positive work ethic.

• 96-91%, below expected attendance. As attendance falls, our concern increases. We follow our stepped approach to take action.

• 90% or lower, persistent absence. Absence is causing serious concern. It is highly likely to affect attainment and progress and is disruptive to the child’s learning.  Meetings between home and school to share strategies for improvement will be called.  If improvement is not achieved a referral is made to the (ESW). A Fixed Penalty Notice will be considered where absence is not authorised.