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Attendance

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regular attendance and punctuality are fundamental to a child’s success at school. Every day counts — missing school means missed learning, lost friendships, and missed opportunities for growth, both academically and socially. At St Sebastian’s, we are committed to working with families to ensure children are present, on time and ready to learn, because good attendance lays the foundation for a happy, successful future.

Research and national guidance emphasise that:

“Good attendance is a learned behaviour, and the most effective schools recognise the importance of developing good patterns of attendance.... Parents and carers have a legal duty to ensure their child receives a full-time education.” (OFSTED, 2022)

By working together, we can ensure that every child benefits from the full range of learning opportunities, develops strong friendships and thrives in a supportive school environment.

Attendance To Date

Each class’s attendance percentage is monitored daily and reports are shared weekly, allowing pupils, parents and staff to see how well each class is doing in meeting our attendance expectations.

Please see table below:

2025 - 2026 ATTENDANCE TO DATE: 24.10.2025
Reception Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Whole
95.9% 93.2% 92.4% 96.7% 97.0% 92.9% 96.7% 95.0%

 

Attendance Team

Role & Responsibility Staff Member
Designated Attendance Lead (DAL) | Headteacher Mrs J McCormick
Attendance Officer Ms C Williams

 

Attendance & Punctuation Policy

  1. Attendance & Punctuation Policy - 2025 - 2026.pdf
    PDF File

 

Attendance & Punctuality - FAQs

What should I do if my child is absent?

  • Phone the school before 9:15am to let us know your child will be off and the reason for absence.

  • For appointments during the day, show the appointment letter or card and ensure your child attends before and/or after the appointment.

  • If you do not contact the school, we will try to reach you, which may include a home visit.

  • Absences without a valid reason are marked as unauthorised.

What does the school do if my child is absent?

  • Staff check daily who is absent and follow standard safeguarding procedures.

  • If school has not been informed, we will phone and may carry out a home-visit to find out why your child is absent.

  • For absences longer than a week, school may phone to check on your child’s wellbeing.

  • All absences are recorded; absence without reason is unauthorised.

Can I take my child on holiday during school time?

  • The Governing Body has directed that no holidays during term-time will be authorised. This ensures we prioritise learning and helps the school reach the national attendance target of 97%.

  • Parents | carers who take children on holiday during term-time will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice from the local council (Liverpool | Knowsley | Sefton).

  • This includes holidays to a country of origin or trips abroad; these should be planned during school holidays.

  • If exceptional circumstances apply, parents | carers must speak to the school office for guidance before making arrangements.

How are absences counted?

  • The school day is split into two sessions: morning and afternoon.

  • Missing the morning = 1 session absent; missing the full day = 2 sessions absent.

What are authorised absences?

Absences approved by the school include:

  • Illness severe enough to prevent attendance

  • Exceptional family circumstances

  • Part-day absence for essential medical appointments (medical appointment letter required - routine check-ups should be outside school time)

What are unauthorised absences?

Absences not approved by the school include:

  • Whole-day absence for routine medical appointments

  • Minor illness unless supported by a medical note

  • Holidays during term-time

  • Birthdays or day trips

  • Being tired or shopping

  • Arrival after registration closes (counts as a session absence)

What happens if my child is persistently absent?

  • Persistent absenteeism is attendance below 90% (approx. 19 days missed per year).

  • Monitored every half term, including sessions missed, regardless of reason.

  • Persistent absence may result in Fixed Penalty Notices or legal action.

How should I manage medical appointments?

  • Try to schedule outside school hours where possible.

  • If unavoidable, bring your child before and after the appointment.

  • Avoid routine appointments during the day to minimise lost learning time.

Why is good attendance important?

  • Regular attendance gives children the best chance to learn, socialise, and participate in school life.

  • Early years attendance lays the foundation for future learning, and every year builds on this knowledge.

  • Being present helps children develop confidence, resilience and friendships.

How does attendance percentage translate to days absent?

 

Attendance Days in School Days Absent
100% 190 0
97% 184 6
95% 180 10
90% 171 19
85% 161 29
80% 152 39
75% 141 49
70% 132 58

 

Tips for good attendance and punctuality

  • Bedtime: Ensure children get enough sleep to wake up ready to learn.

  • Be on time: Helps children settle and maintain routines.

  • Get up early: Avoid rushing and stress in the morning.

  • Limit TV or games: Reduces delays and morning arguments.

  • Prepare the night before: Uniforms, lunches, and bags ready.

  • Breakfast: Eat before school or attend Breakfast Club (opens 8:00am).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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