At Goldenhill Primary Academy we are committed to ensuring that every child attends school regularly, feels safe, supported and valued, and is able to achieve their full potential. We believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are fundamental to academic achievement, wellbeing, personal development and future success.

School attendance is not merely a requirement but a fundamental pillar of education. Consistent attendance supports children to build positive relationships, develop resilience, establish routines and access the full breadth of learning opportunities available to them.

Inclusive Attendance Approach

Goldenhill Primary Academy is an Inclusive Attendance School dedicated to child-centred practice and establishing a collective responsibility for attendance across our whole school community.

We follow the Inclusive Attendance Professional Development Programme, with all staff deepening their understanding of attendance support through six bespoke learning modules.

Our approach is:

• Child-centred and supportive
• Rooted in positive relationships
• Focused on removing barriers to attendance
• Fully aligned with Department for Education guidance
• Based on early identification and intervention

We recognise that attendance difficulties can be complex and that every family’s circumstances are different. We work in partnership with children, families and external agencies to provide support at the earliest opportunity.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) ensures comprehensive attendance support for all pupils.

Tier 1 – Universal Support

High-quality universal support for all children through:

• A positive school culture
• Clear attendance expectations
• Recognition and celebration of good attendance
• Strong relationships with families
• High-quality teaching and learning

Tier 2 – Early Intervention

Additional internal support for pupils identified as being at risk of attendance concerns through:

• Attendance monitoring
• Early conversations with parents/carers
• Attendance meetings and support plans
• Targeted pastoral support

Tier 3 – Targeted External Support

Higher levels of support for pupils and families requiring specialist intervention through:

• Multi-agency working
• Early Help
• Education Welfare involvement
• External agency support
• Safeguarding and wellbeing services where appropriate

Recognition-Based Approach

Our attendance culture promotes the recognition of both personal and collective achievement.

We believe positive recognition:

• Encourages motivation and engagement
• Builds positive habits and routines
• Develops a sense of belonging
• Supports intrinsic motivation
• Celebrates improvement as well as high attendance

Children are recognised regularly through:

• Weekly class attendance rewards
• Celebration assemblies
• Attendance trophies and awards
• Recognition for improved attendance
• End-of-year attendance recognition

Further details can be found in our Attendance Policy.

Safeguarding and Attendance

The school has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.

Attendance is a key safeguarding priority and any concerns regarding attendance will be investigated promptly to ensure children are safe and supported.

Unexplained or prolonged absences may result in:

• First-day contact procedures
• Welfare checks
• Home visits
• Meetings with parents/carers
• Referral to external agencies where appropriate

The school follows statutory guidance regarding:

• Children Missing Education (CME)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Working Together to Improve School Attendance

Linked Policies

Our Attendance Policy works alongside the following school policies:

• Safeguarding Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Teaching and Learning Policy
• SEND Policy
• Pupil Premium Strategy
• Children Missing Education Policy

Roles and Responsibilities

Parents and Carers

Parents play a vital role in promoting good attendance and punctuality. Parents/carers are responsible for:

• Ensuring their child attends school every day and arrives on time
• Reporting absences promptly
• Working in partnership with the school to address barriers to attendance
• Requesting leave of absence in advance where appropriate
• Promoting positive attitudes towards education

The School

The school plays a key role in promoting and monitoring attendance through:

• Building positive relationships with families
• Monitoring attendance data regularly
• Identifying barriers to attendance
• Providing early support and intervention
• Working with external agencies where required
• Maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment

Children

Children are expected to:

• Attend school regularly and punctually
• Engage positively with their learning
• Follow school expectations
• Take pride in their attendance and participation

Regular attendance supports children’s academic progress, social development and future success.

External Agencies

External agencies may work alongside the school and families to provide additional support where needed. This may include:

• Education Welfare Officers
• Early Help services
• Health professionals
• Counsellors
• SEND and inclusion teams
• Social care services

These agencies help schools and families address barriers affecting attendance and wellbeing.

School Times

• School gates open: 8:30am
• Classroom doors open: 8:35am
• School day starts: 8:45am
• Registers close: 30 minutes after gates close
• Pupils arriving after registers close receive an unauthorised late mark.

Children are expected to attend school for the full school day unless there is an authorised reason for absence.

Reporting a Child’s Absence

If your child is absent, parents/carers must contact the school on the first day of absence as soon as possible.

Absences can be reported:

• By telephone
• Via Arbor
• By email
• In person at the school office
• By written note

Where no reason for absence is provided, the school will follow safeguarding procedures and contact parents/carers directly.

Requesting Leave of Absence

Parents/carers must request leave of absence in writing at least 10 school days in advance wherever possible.

In line with Department for Education guidance:

• Leave of absence during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
• Holidays during term time will not normally be authorised.
• Unauthorised leave may result in a Penalty Notice being issued by the Local Authority.

Attendance Definitions

Persistent Absence (PA)

A child is classed as persistently absent when their attendance falls to 90% or below.

This means a child has missed:

• 10% or more of school sessions
• Approximately 19 school days across an academic year

Risk of Persistent Absence

A child may be considered at risk of persistent absence where attendance falls below 95%.

At Goldenhill Primary Academy, we identify attendance between approximately:

• 95%–90%
• Equivalent to around 12–18 days absence

At this stage, early support and intervention may be offered.

Severe Absence

A child is considered severely absent when attendance falls below 50%.

This level of absence is a serious safeguarding concern and requires intensive support from school and external agencies.

Elective Home Education (EHE) and Removal from Roll

Parents have the right to choose to educate their child at home. If parents are considering Elective Home Education (EHE), we strongly encourage discussion with the school before any decision is made.

Where parents formally choose EHE:

• Requests should be made in writing
• The school will notify the Local Authority
• The child will be removed from roll in line with statutory guidance

The school follows all Department for Education and Local Authority procedures regarding:

• Removal from roll
• Children Missing Education
• Safeguarding responsibilities

No child will be removed from roll without appropriate checks and procedures being completed.

Working Together

Improving attendance is everyone’s responsibility. By working together — children, families, school staff and external agencies — we can ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to thrive, succeed and enjoy their education.

For further information, please refer to our full Attendance Policy or contact the school office.