Attendance

Regular Attendance at School

Consistent attendance at school is key to a child’s well-being and success. It provides the best opportunity for learning and ensures that pupils can reach their full potential. Pupils should attend school every day it is open, unless their absence is unavoidable.

Why Good Attendance Matters:

• Improved Focus & Achievement: Regular attendance helps pupils stay focused and achieve more in their learning.
• No Missed Lessons: Attending school regularly ensures pupils don’t miss important lessons.
• Better Adaptation: Pupils who attend school regularly are better able to cope with routines, schoolwork, and friendships.
• Long-Term Success: Good attendance supports smooth transitions to secondary school, higher education, and future employment or training opportunities.
• Well-being & Safety: We can ensure that every pupil is safe, well, and supported when they attend school regularly.

As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we believe every child has the right to an education. Education promotes democracy, peace, tolerance, and economic development. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child highlights a child’s right to education, including:

• Article 28: Every child has the right to an education, and primary education must be free. Secondary education must be available to all children, and discipline in schools must respect the dignity of children.
• Article 29: Education should help every child develop their personality, talents, and abilities, fostering respect for human rights, cultures, and the environment.

Absence During Term-Time

If your child needs to be absent, please follow these guidelines:

• Notify the School: Call the school office at 0191 273 0452 before 9:00 am on the first morning of any absence, and provide the reason for the absence.
• Stay in Touch: If your child will be away for an extended period, keep us informed via phone, letter, or email.
• Plan Ahead: Notify us of any planned absences in advance. Leave of absence should only be requested for exceptional circumstances.

We understand that absence from school can have a significant impact on learning and well-being. However, we approach each situation individually, taking all factors into account and providing appropriate support where needed.

Newcastle City Council works closely with schools to monitor attendance. It is the legal responsibility of parents/carers to ensure their child attends school regularly. We ask that you keep us informed about any issues that may affect your child’s attendance. Unexplained or excessive absences may result in legal action, which could include fines or prosecution.

If you are facing difficulties or need support with your child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office. You can also reach 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.