Attendance and Punctuality
Report your child's absence here
Impact of missing school / lateness
By the end of the school year, your child's attendance or lateness will mean;
| Attendance | Number of days absent | Missed lessons of learning |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 0 | 0 |
| 99% | 2 | 10 lessons |
| 98% | 4 | 20 lessons |
| 97% | 6 | 30 lessons |
| 96% | 8 | 40 lessons |
| 95% | 10 | 50 lessons |
| Minutes late per day | Equivalent of missing |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 3.4 school days a year |
| 10 minutes | 6.9 school days a year |
| 15 minutes | 10.3 school days a year |
| 20 minutes | 13.8 school days a year |
| 30 minutes | 20.7 school days a year |
At Manor Primary School & Nursery, we believe that excellent attendance is fundamental to children being Ready, Respectful and Safe.
When children attend school regularly and arrive on time, they are ready to learn, build positive relationships and make the most of every opportunity. Good attendance demonstrates respect for learning, for classmates and for the wider school community. Regular attendance also helps children feel connected, supported and safe, promoting their wellbeing and sense of belonging.
We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure that every child attends school regularly and receives the full benefit of the education to which they are entitled. Evidence shows that children with strong attendance make better academic progress, develop stronger friendships and are more likely to achieve positive outcomes throughout their education. The Department for Education (DfE) and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) both emphasise the importance of attending school every day wherever possible.
Punctuality
Being on time is an important part of establishing positive habits for learning. Arriving punctually ensures children are settled, prepared and ready for the start of the school day. Pupils who arrive late can miss important learning, routines and opportunities to connect with their peers.
Leave of Absence During Term Time
The Department for Education's guidance is clear that headteachers may only authorise leave of absence during term time where there are exceptional circumstances. Family holidays, visits to relatives, cheaper travel arrangements or celebrations will not normally be considered exceptional circumstances and are unlikely to be authorised.
Parents and carers must submit requests for leave of absence in advance via the school office. Each request will be considered individually in line with DfE expectations and Oxfordshire County Council procedures.
Penalty Notices
From August 2024, a national framework for penalty notices applies across England. Schools are expected to consider a penalty notice when a child has accrued 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period. This may include unauthorised term-time leave.
The current penalty notice charges are:
- First penalty notice: £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, increasing to £160 if paid within 28 days.
- Second penalty notice within three years: £160 per parent, per child.
- A third offence within three years: a penalty notice will not usually be issued and legal action may be considered.
In more serious cases, or where attendance does not improve, the Local Authority may pursue legal action through the courts.
Working Together
We recognise that there can be many reasons why a child may struggle to attend school. Our approach is always to work closely with families to understand any barriers and provide support wherever possible. We encourage parents and carers to contact the school at the earliest opportunity if they have concerns about their child's attendance.
By working together, we can ensure that every child is Ready to learn, Respectful of the importance of education and Safe within a school community where they can thrive.
