At Broomwood Primary School, we believe that regular attendance and punctuality are essential for every child’s success and well-being. We work closely with families to support good attendance and address any challenges.

Our Attendance Expectations:

• Children should attend school every day and arrive on time by 8:40 am.
• Registers are taken promptly at 8:45 am and 12:45 pm (or 1:00 pm for upper KS2).
• Children arriving after 9:00 am are marked late; after 9:30 am, pupils are marked as absent for that whole session.

Reporting Absences:

• Parents must inform the school by 9:00 am on the first day of absence and each subsequent day.
• Medical evidence may be requested for absences longer than 5 days or if attendance falls below 90%.

Authorised Absences:

• Illness, medical/dental appointments, religious observance, and exceptional circumstances agreed by the headteacher.

Unauthorised Absences and Fining Process:

• Holidays during term time will not be authorised.
• If a child has 10 sessions (half days) of unauthorised absence within 10 school weeks, the school may refer the case to the Local Authority.
• The 10 sessions of unauthorised absence could be in a block due to a term-time holiday or may be split across the 10-week rolling period
• If this measure is met parents may receive a penalty notice (fine) per absence, per parent, per child:
  • First penalty notice: £80 if paid within 21 days, £160 if paid within 28 days.
  • Second penalty notice: £160 if paid within 28 days.
  • A third penalty notice for the same child cannot be issued within 3 years; legal action will be taken instead.
• Penalty notices can also be issued if a child is found in a public place during school hours without permission during a suspension or exclusion.

Support for Families:

• We offer support for children facing barriers to attendance, including alternative start times, home pick-up, and referrals to health and support services.
• Regular attendance updates are provided at Parents’ Evenings and in written reports.

Celebrating Good Attendance:

• Children with 100% attendance receive badges and prizes.
• Classes with the best attendance earn the "Be There Bear" and a class treat at year-end.