Research shows that there is a direct link between school attendance and attainment and progress. Poor attendance and missing lessons has a direct negative impact upon a child’s success in learning. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind.
We aim to support and enable our pupils to fulfil their potential and provide them with every opportunity for a positive and successful future. Your child must be in school. In order to achieve this, parents have a responsibility for ensuring the attendance and punctuality of their child. Your child deserves the best start in life and a regular education will provide this. Every day that your child is absent from school is an opportunity missed and learning is lost.
Working with you
Our approach is ' think family' and 'support first'.
Parent and carer support is crucial in ensuring that children achieve in education. At Hillside Primary and Nursery , we work closely with families to support them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their children and this includes help in improving pupil attendance and punctuality. Please do come in and talk to us if this is an area that you would welcome some support with.
National changes to attendance (from September 2024)
The Department for Education (DfE) new statutory framework ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ was updated in on 19th August 2024 and includes details which all schools must adhere to. In particular, it is important that parents and carers understand the changes to Penalty Notice Fines in relation to unauthorised school absence. The laws around school absence have been strengthened within this new framework and so it is vital that as parents and carers you are aware of the implications of this when considering term time holidays and absences during term time. Please see below for important documents with regards to the new attendance changes
School pick up and drop off
Morning Arrivals
We have a “flexible arrival” between 8:30am and 8:45am.
Afternoon Pick-up
- Nursery: 11:30am
- Reception: 3:05pm
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Year 1 to 6: 3:15pm
Punctuality
Punctuality is equally important, as a child who is late is also missing out on learning opportunities. The children must be in school between 8.30am and 8.45am. Being punctual is also a good discipline as it supports organisation and good timekeeping - both of which are vital skills for the future. A pupil arriving late for school not only misses learning but also causes disruption for the other pupils in class.
Being 5 minutes late each day is the same as missing 3 whole days of school.
Being 15 minutes late each day is the same as missing two whole weeks at school.
Attendance Policy
It is essential that parents and carers read our Attendance Policy and are aware of our attendance procedures. Please see below for our full Attendance Policy and a parent friendly version. A paper copy is also available upon request via the School Office.
Please support us in reducing the number of school days lost. A day off school means a day where learning is lost.
What should I do if I have checked the NHS guidance and my child is not well enough to attend school?
If your child is not well enough to attend school please report this by phoning the Office on 01473 601402 option 1 from 7.30am. We MUST receive this information by 8.45am.
If you are calling to report your child's absence please give details of the reason; sick, poorly or unwell is not sufficient and may result in a follow up call to gather more information. Please be aware that, at Hillside, we expect pupils to attend regularly and minor ailments, such as tummy or headaches, should not prevent a child from being at school. Pain relief can be given before school and, if necessary, further doses can be given by staff, provided you complete a form at the office.
Please support us in reducing the number of school days lost. A day off school means a day where learning is lost.
