Attendance & Punctuality
"You have created a well-structured curriculum that develops pupils’ knowledge in academic subjects such as English and mathematics, but also provides pupils with a rich range of other opportunities." Ofsted , April 2018.
Because children feel safe and secure in school and enjoy learning, their attendance is good. Each year the school aims for 96% overall attendance to meet government requirements. Due to changes in national legislation the headteacher is unable to authorise holidays during term time except in the case of families of service men and women returning from active service. However, when children are attending special events e.g award ceremonies or family weddings, the headteacher is pleased to authorise a one day absence.
The Importance of Good School Attendance and Punctuality
Research shows that good school attendance impacts upon children’s success in learning. Good attendance helps children to achieve good results, helps them to fulfil their potential and gives them a chance of a better future.
At Seaburn Dene Primary, we are committed to ensuring that each and every child in our school fulfils their potential. To help us achieve this we want all of our children to have the best possible attendance.
We have found that 1% of our overall absence (4.3%) was down to unathorised holidays during term time - this is double the national average of 0.5%. Seaburn Dene Primary School - in line with Government guidelines - will NOT approve of any holidays during term time and will actively discourage this.
We want to see all our pupils with above 96%-plus attendance
Every day that your child is absent from school is an opportunity missed. Schools and parents / carers have a shared responsibility to ensure that children attend school regularly and on time.
Punctuality is also just as important as attendance. Seaburn Dene Primary School starts at 8:50am every morning. It is important that children arrive in school on time as it supports them to learn good timekeeping and also reduces classroom disruption for the other children and themselves.
Parental support is critical in ensuring that children achieve in education. At Seaburn Dene Primary we work closely with families to support them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.
What can parents / carers do to help?
- Ensure your child attends school every day and on time.
- If your child is not well enough to attend contact the school by 10am on the first day of absence.
- Try to make dental and medical appointments outside of school time or at weekends.
- Take family holidays during the school holiday. We are unable to authorize term time holidays.
- Contact us immediately if you need help or support with your child’s attendance or punctuality.
Let’s work together to achieve consistently high attendance and punctuality. There are only 190 school days in a year and we want to see every child at school every day because every school day counts!
We are aiming for 96.7% or above this year (Y1-Y6) - we can do it!
WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD’S ABSENCE MEAN?
The City of Sunderland Education Authority has provided the following table as information for parents.
| 5 minutes late every day = 3 days of school lost a year |
| 10 minutes late every day = 6.5 days of school lost a year |
| 15 minutes late every day = 10 days of school lost a year |
| 20 minutes late every day = 13 days of school lost a year |
| 30 minutes late every day = 19 days of school lost a year |
Our Attendance Winners - Well Done!
At Seaburn Dene Primary School we have high expectations of attendance from all pupils. We strive for every child to be in school every day. Regular attendance is vital to ensure children reach their potential both academically and socially.
The Department for Education has issued new and stricter guidelines for absences to which schools must abide:
“Regular attendance is crucial to raising and maintaining high attainment. If pupils do not come to school, they cannot learn what is taught in a lesson, practise what has been taught, or improve on their performance. There is a clear correlation. Pupils who attend regularly achieve more highly.” (OFSTED Framework section 4.3)
Termly Awards
In June we will hold our annual attendance awards of 2023-24 to recognise children with good or better attendance in the school year.
Bronze Awards: 96%-97.2% attendance (2.5 -2 days absent.)
Silver Awards: 97.9% - 99.3% (1.5-0.5 days absent.)
Gold Awards: 100% attendance.