Attendance
Attendance
At Wootton
Bassett Infants’ School we understand that regular school attendance is the key
to enabling children and young people to maximise the educational opportunities
available to them and become emotionally resilient, confident adults who are
able to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to their
community. School is the foundation for preparing children and young people for
life as adults.
We are
committed to providing an education of the highest quality for all our pupils
and endeavour to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued and
welcome.
For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend school regularly and punctually. Parents and the school community share the responsibility for supporting and promoting excellent school attendance and punctuality for all.
In school we use a traffic light system. We aim for all children to obtain 98% or above. However, we acknowledge that this is not always possible. As you can see from the system below once a child reaches 95% this triggers the traffic light system.
The Department for Education (DfE) has introduced some new guidance for schools and local councils for managing school attendance. They have also introduced a new national framework for penalty notices (fines) and amended the law. These changes came into effect in August 2024. You can fine more information here:
Wiltshire Council - Changes to Attendance Sept 2024
Penalty Notice - Information for Parents Sept 2024
Useful Links:
Resources for families | Children's Commissioner for England (childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)
Top tips on how to keep your child healthy at school – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)
School attendance and absence: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Absence
When a child does not turn up for school, we are always anxious for the safety and wellbeing of that child. We are required by law to keep accurate records of attendance and to publish the figures.
Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Please notify the school if your child is going to
be absent. Ideally this should be before 9am. You can do this by:
calling: 01793 852254 or emailing: admin@woottonbassett-inf.wilts.sch.uk
Please try to arrange medical/dental appointments outside of school hours unless there is an urgent need for an appointment. Holidays and requests of absence in term time will only be granted if it is an exceptional circumstance. Please see policy for a list of exceptional circumstances. Applications should be made two weeks prior unless it is an emergency. The absence request form can be requested from the school office.
Please note: if your child arrives at school late you will need to come to the main gate by the school office and buzz for access.
More information can be found in the Attendance Policy on the School Policy page.