Attendance
Our school attendance target for every child is at least 97%
In Autumn term 2023 we had 95.4% attendance for school aged children at Riddings Infant and Nursery School, this was above the National figure for primaries of 94.9%. To support this we had attendance and punctuality weeks, attendance prizes, stickers and a special prize draw for the last 9 days of school term.
School attendance in the school year 2022-2023 was 94.3% this was above the National figure of 94.1%
We expect all children on roll to attend every day, when the school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so. We do all we can to encourage the children to attend, and to put in place appropriate procedures. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is the development of positive attitudes towards school. We strive to make our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children.
Attending school on a regular basis is the key to your child doing well at school and will set them up with good routines for later life and the working world, as well as giving them the opportunity to:
• Make friends and feel included
• Learn new things and develop skills
• Increase their confidence and self-esteem
• Improve social skills
• Achieve their potential and fulfil aspirations
Every school day counts. Every single day a child is absent from school equates to a day of lost learning.
100% attendance - No days missed
95% attendance - Nine days of absence - One week and four days of learning missed
90% attendance - 19 days of absence - Three weeks and four days of learning missed
85% attendance - 28 days of absence - Five weeks and three days of learning missed
Under the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1995, the Governing Body are responsible for making sure the school keeps an attendance register that records which pupils are present at the start of both the morning and the afternoon sessions of the school day.
Rewards & Recognition
Although good attendance is an expectation the school seeks to improve whole school attendance by offering incentives, publishing best attending classes and whole school attendance on the The Hub weekly for parents.
Each class has an attendance Hero mascot, when a class wins attendance of the week, the class get to keep the mascot in the classroom for the week. If the class achieve 100% attendance they will receive Gonzo, our whole school attendance mascot, alongside their class mascot, as well as a sticker from the headteacher. These classes are also congratulated and celebrated in assembly and a display in the hall celebrates this.
Monitoring Absence
School have the responsibility for ensuring that all of the attendance data is accurately recorded on the attendance software. All attendance is monitored daily and we follow a tiered process for supporting attendance which can be found in our attendance policy. We ask parents to report absence to the school office daily. If you are unsure if your child is well enough to attend school please follow the NHS guidance 'Is my child well enough for school?' document which can be found at the bottom of this page.
We are here to support the children in attending school everyday. If school attendance drops we will make you aware through teacher conversations, discussions with the pastoral team or termly through our coloured attendance reports. If you have concerns around your child's attendance please come and speak to one of us as we are here to help and support.
At Riddings Infant School we follow a zone alert system; the purpose of colour coding helps staff, parents and pupils have a clear understanding of our expectations:
Children with low levels of absence: 0% to 3.99% (100%-96%)
We expect students to be in this zone throughout their education. Those children who are rarely absent are more likely to do well in examinations, have better job opportunities and develop strong friendships within school. This is our aspiration for all our children.
Children with increasing absence: 4% to 7.99% absence (Under 96%-92%)
Children in this zone are monitored carefully by our Pastoral Team. We will offer support to help you ensure your child’s attendance improves.
Children at risk of becoming persistent absentees: 8% to 9.99% absence (Under 92%-90%)
Students in this zone are at risk of underachieving due to their absence level. It is important that measures are put in place here to try to avoid these students falling in to the persistently absent zone. Students who miss school regularly are more likely to suffer from school related stress. If your child is at risk of becoming a persistent absentee and support strategies from school will be offered.
Persistent Absentees: absence of 10% and above (Under 90%)
Students in this zone are more likely to underachieve, find making friendships difficult and to misbehave. If your child is persistently absent, you will be required to attend an attendance panel meeting and sign an attendance contract. Legal action may be taken against parents/carers of persistently absent pupils.
Punctuality matters
To help children achieve their very best in school, it is important that they are good attenders and also punctual. Teachers welcome pupils into the classroom at 8.35-8.45am. The end of the school day is at 3:15pm everyday. This equates to 32 hours and 30 minutes a week.
After 8.45am the only way to get into school is via the school office. Any pupil who comes into school this way from 8.45am will be marked as late in the attendance record. Records are kept of those pupils who are late, this is documented for each pupil (Attendance code L). Any child who arrives for school later than 9.30am (will be marked as having an unauthorised absence for the morning. (Attendance code U).
Children who have attended a dentist or doctor’s appointment and subsequently come to school later than 8.45am will have the absence recorded as a medical absence (Attendance code M).
Children who are persistently late miss a significant amount of learning, we teach our phonics sessions across school at 9am, if your child is 10 minutes late everyday that is nearly one hours learning missed each week.
Where there have been persistent incidents of lateness (more than 5 during a half term) parents/carers will be asked to come into school to discuss and provide opportunities for parents/carers to seek support and advice to address these issues.
Reducing the spread of infection in school
In school we remind the children of the importance of regular and effective handwashing and ensure spaces are well-ventilated to reduce the spread of infection. Coughing and sneezing easily spread infections. Children and adults are encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue and wash hands after using or disposing of tissues.
Holiday requests in term time
In September 2013 the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 came into force. These regulations make it clear that Headteachers should not grant approval for any leave of absence during term-time, including holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances. These regulations also state that holidays cannot be authorised retrospectively.
Any requests should be made on school absence request forms and handed into the school office for consideration 14 days prior to any holiday/leave arrangements being made.
You may be issued with a Penalty Notice should leave be taken which is not authorised. If unpaid this could lead to prosecution under section 444(1) of The Education Act 1996.
For attendance policies please click the link to our policies below:
Children absent from Education
All children, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to an efficient, full time education which is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have.
Children missing education are children of compulsory school age who are not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise than at a school. Children missing education are at significant risk of underachieving, being victims of harm, exploitation or radicalisation, and becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) later in life.
Effective information sharing between parents, schools and local authorities is critical to ensuring that all children of compulsory school age are safe and receiving suitable education.
Amazing attendance and punctuality week - 25th-29th September
What a week of amazing attendance and punctuality with 171 heroes across school!
A special well done to Miss Kidd class who achieved 100%, well done everyone.
Remember great attendance leads to great learning and progress. 