Attendance

Attendance at Clanfield CE Primary School

At Clanfield CE Primary School, we aim to create an environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. High levels of attendance are essential for children to reach their full potential, and we consistently work towards our goal of 100% attendance for all pupils.

Each school day is carefully planned, and every lesson forms part of a wider programme of learning. Missing school disrupts this learning and can affect both a child’s progress and the learning of others. Regular attendance also plays a vital role in safeguarding children and supporting their wellbeing.

Why Attendance Matters

There is a clear and proven link between attendance and achievement. Children who attend school regularly:

• Make better academic progress
• Build stronger relationships with peers and staff
• Develop positive routines and habits for later life

Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and on time. Unauthorised absence may result in intervention from the Local Authority and, in some cases, legal action.

Our Expectations

• Our attendance target is 97%, with a minimum expected attendance of 95%
• Attendance is closely monitored and shared with parents regularly
• Pupils with attendance below expectations are supported early to prevent persistent absence
• Holidays during term time are strongly discouraged and will not be authorised

Working Together to Promote Good Attendance

Promoting excellent attendance is a shared responsibility between school, parents and pupils.

We support this by:

• Celebrating good and improving attendance, including weekly sharing of our Attendance Teddy, which is awarded to the class with excellent or most improved attendance.
• Sharing attendance information through newsletters, meetings and regular communication with parents
• Rewarding positive attendance and punctuality
• Encouraging good attendance through positive messages from all staff, who consistently promote the importance of being in school
• Working closely with families to identify and remove barriers to attendance

We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to ensure every child attends school regularly, feels safe and supported, and achieves their very best.

This approach meets the statutory requirements of Working Together to Improve School Attendance (DfE) and Oxfordshire County Council guidance.

The School Day for Reception to Year 6 Children

55 minute lunch break; total time in a week 32 hours 30 minutes

POLICY

You can find out more information about school attendance in our Attendance Policy or by visiting the Oxfordshire County Council website here.

Clanfield CE Primary School Attendance Policy

Burford Partnership of Schools Attendance Letter