Attendance Matters
At Carrington Junior School, we know that children achieve their best when they attend school regularly. Being in school every day supports academic progress, wellbeing, positive relationships and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Regular attendance helps children to develop confidence, maintain friendships and fully participate in all aspects of school life. Children who attend school consistently are less likely to miss important learning, educational visits, enrichment opportunities, sporting events, performances and shared experiences with their peers.
The Department for Education expects schools to promote high levels of attendance, and we aim for all pupils to achieve attendance of at least 96%. Attendance below this level can have a significant impact on a child's learning and wider school experience.
How Do We Support Attendance?
At Carrington, we recognise that every family's circumstances are different. In line with national guidance, we take a supportive and proactive approach to attendance, working closely with families to remove barriers and ensure pupils can attend school regularly.
We carefully monitor attendance and identify patterns of absence at an early stage. Where attendance begins to decline, staff may speak with children and parents to understand any concerns and explore how we can help.
Our aim is to build positive relationships with families and provide support wherever possible. We believe that working together is the most effective way to secure good attendance and ensure every child can benefit fully from their education.
My Child Is Anxious, Worried or Has Experienced a Difficulty. Should They Still Come to School?
We understand that children sometimes experience worries, anxieties or challenges that can make attending school feel difficult.
Where concerns relate to friendships, learning, emotional wellbeing or circumstances outside school, we encourage families to talk to us as early as possible. In many cases, attending school with the right support in place can prevent worries from becoming more significant over time.
Our experienced staff team, including Mrs O'Leary and Mrs Jan, our Family Support Workers, work alongside class teachers and senior leaders to support children and families. We will always seek to understand what is making attendance difficult and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
Where appropriate, we can meet with families, provide pastoral support and agree strategies to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
What Happens If Attendance Becomes a Concern?
When children are not in school regularly, they miss valuable learning opportunities, social interactions and important experiences that cannot always be fully replicated.
Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child receives a suitable full-time education and attends school regularly. Schools are required to monitor attendance and work with families where concerns arise.
If a child's attendance falls below expected levels, we will contact parents to discuss the situation and understand any barriers to attendance. This may involve meetings with school staff and the development of a support plan to help improve attendance.
In line with statutory guidance, where attendance does not improve despite support being offered, schools have a duty to consider further action. However, our priority is always to work in partnership with families, providing support and intervention at the earliest opportunity.
Working Together for Every Child
At Carrington Junior School, we know that attendance is everyone's responsibility. Through strong relationships, early support and a shared commitment to children's success, we can ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.
Every day counts. Every lesson matters. Being in school, on time, every day gives children the very best opportunity to learn, belong and succeed.
