Parents should understand that attendance is an issue for our school. We are asking for your support in improving whole school attendance and punctuality.

This poster shows the number of days that are allocated to 'school days' (190) and the 175 days of the year that we use for 'family time'. Every school day is important and regular attendance strengthens children’s sense of belonging, routine and connection, which in turn supports their confidence, progress and long-term success.

Lateness after the register is closed is classed as an unauthorised absence.

190 days attended (in each academic year)	180 days attended	178 days attended	171 days attended (more than 18 days absence)
100% Best chance of success	95%	94%	90%

We want your child to attend regularly to support their learning. The impact on a child's education through lost learning is huge. Attendance is essential to ensure that all children fulfil their potential. Poor attendance can also have a negative impact on:

• Friendships
• Self-esteem and confidence

The definition of good attendance in Wigan is 98% or better. Some would say 90% is good attendance - in a test, scoring 90% would be great, but this is not the same for attendance. In fact, 90% attendance is equivalent to missing one day of school every fortnight! That is 19 days across a year missed or, in other words, almost a month of school! 

Is my child too ill for school?

Regular attendance at school is incredibly important. Every day in school matters, and being in school consistently helps children to keep up with their learning, maintain friendships, develop routines and feel a strong sense of belonging within their school community.

We also recognise that children do become unwell and that it can sometimes be difficult for parents and carers to decide whether their child is well enough to attend school.

To support families with these decisions, we have attached guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), which provides helpful advice about common childhood illnesses and when children should stay at home or can continue to attend school. Please see the link below.

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS

Persistent Absence

It is considered that attendance of 90% or below is peristent absence. Failing to improve on 90% can lead to prosecution, which school wants families to avoid. Although 90% sounds reasonably good, it means your child misses:

• One-half day each week
• Nearly 4 weeks every school year

By missing out on regular schooling, some children are having to constantly try to catch up on their peers. Having chunks of knowledge missing really disadvantages your child compared to their classmates.

At Westleigh Methodist Primary School, attendance for every child is monitored. We work to support all who are not attending school without sufficient reason. School's pastoral manager, school counsellor and work with the charity, 'AllChild', all support children where needed.

Parental Role in Attendance

The parental role in ensuring children attend school daily is key, and as such, we expect parents/carers to fulfil their legal responsibility to ensure their child has good time keeping and attendance.  This means your child must attend, on time, every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence, in advance, from school. When children cannot attend school, we expect parents to report the absence as soon as possible and no later than 9am which is when registration closes. 

Excellent attendance at school is vital to securing the greatest possible personal development and academic progress for each child. We expect all families to be committed to excellent attendance. If you feel your child has a mild illness then please send them into school and staff will monitor and ring you if needed. In a small number of incidences your child maybe too ill to attend, we expect you to report the absence as soon as possible and no later than 9am which is when registration closes.  

Improving Attendance

There are things to improve your child's attendance and avoid falling into th persistent absence category. 

• Keep up to date with what % attendance your child has
• Speak to school staff with any concerns
• Take family holidays outside term time (these will be classed as unauthorised)
• Talk to your child about the importance of them being in school and let them know how important you feel it is
• Wherever possible, make medical and dental appointments outside school hours or during the holidays

Attendance and Punctuality Incentives

At Westleigh Methodist Primary School, we offer a range of rewards for good attendance.

We have a new 'space' whole school display to promote good attendance - complete with rockets and stars!

Weekly Awards

We have the weekly winning class for the highest attendance and strongest punctuality for the previous week and the winning classes receive a Shining Star trophy for the week.

Termly Awards

Each child who gains 100% attendance for the whole term (Autumn, Spring and Summer) is invited to that term’s attendance award at the end of the term.

We have also special metal badges for 100% attendance each term. Children have the chance to earn bronze, silver and gold badges across the year.

Yearly Awards

Each child with 100% attendance for the whole year receives a prize at our yearly Oscar’s Awards in July.

Attendance Mentors

This year we have introduced extra support for children - an Attendance Mentor. This is a trusted adult chosen by the child to help to motivate and encourage the child to attend regularly. The aim is to build positive relationships, break down barriers to attendance and offer positive rewards to attend well.