At Martley CE Primary School we strongly believe that regular school attendance is essential if a child is to make the most of the educational opportunities available to them.

If your child is absent from school, it is important that you let the school know by telephone or email each day. It is essential that we account for each child every day to ensure they are safe at home with an adult. If we do not receive a phone call, we will call parents to obtain a reason for the absence.

Absence is monitored carefully. Where a pupil’s attendance is causing concern, we will contact parents to discuss how we might work together to improve it.

How can you support good attendance in school?

• Inform the school before 8:45am each day that your child is absent.
• Take trips during school holidays rather than term time.
• Don’t allow your child to stay off school for a minor ailment.
• Arrive at school on time, so your child doesn’t get a late mark.
• Ensure your child has a good understanding of why attendance is important
• Figure out the reasons for absence, as this can help you understand where your child needs support in overcoming barriers to attending school.
• Try to establish a good routine early so that when your child does start school, they have developed good habits such as getting plenty of sleep.
• If appointments are needed for health reasons, try to make them during after school hours or out of term time when possible. If this in unavoidable, then please give as much notice as possible and bring medical appointment cards/letters.
• Attend parents’ evenings to discuss your child’s progress

What we will do as a school?

• Check your child's attendance every day.
• Phone home to discuss your child's attendance and ask for a reason why your child is absent. 
• Invite you into school for an attendance meeting if we are concerned.
• If we are unable to obtain a reason why your child is absent from school, then we may visit your home to establish the reason. 

Attendance that falls below 90% is categorised as persistent absence.

An attendance figure of 90% is the equivalent of a half-day absence every week. If your child is persistently absent, a number of things may happen as mentioned above depending upon the reasons for absence and your child’s previous attendance record.

If you require any more support or advice regarding school attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school office, and we will do everything we can to support you.