At St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary School, we believe that good attendance and punctuality are essential for every child’s learning, wellbeing and future success.

Our Designated Attendance Lead is Mrs Dowell, supported by Mrs Austin and Miss Holmes.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact us:

Email: admin.strobertbellarmine@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Telephone: 0151 922 1216

Why is good attendance so important?

Being in school regularly gives children the best possible opportunity to learn, make progress and achieve their potential.

Regular attendance also helps children to:

• build strong friendships and relationships;

• develop confidence and independence;

• establish positive routines;

• feel part of the school community;

• take part fully in lessons, trips, clubs and other opportunities; and

• develop good habits that will support them at secondary school and later in life.

Every school day matters.

We monitor attendance carefully and parents will receive regular updates about their child’s attendance. The Headteacher and school staff monitor attendance daily and review patterns regularly throughout the school year.

Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work with families to understand any difficulties and provide support wherever possible.

Punctuality matters too

Arriving at school on time helps children to have a calm, positive start to the day and ensures that they do not miss important learning.

Schools are legally required to take an attendance register in both the morning and afternoon.

If a child arrives after the start of the school day but while the register is still open, they will be marked as late. If they arrive after the register has closed without an appropriate reason, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session.

Regular lateness can quickly add up to a significant amount of missed learning.

Please help your child to arrive at school on time and ready to learn every day.

Holidays and leave during term time

Holidays during term time are not routinely authorised.

Leave of absence may only be authorised by the Headteacher in exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers should make any request for leave in advance.

Taking a child out of school without authorisation may result in further action, including a penalty notice.

Wherever possible, family holidays and other arrangements should be made during the school holidays.

How can I support good attendance?

Parents and carers can make a significant difference by:

• establishing positive morning and bedtime routines;

• ensuring children arrive at school on time;

• talking positively to their child about school;

• taking an interest in their learning and school experiences;

• arranging routine appointments outside school hours wherever possible; and

• contacting school promptly if there is a problem that may affect attendance.

If your child is worried about coming to school, please talk to us. Working together early can often prevent a small difficulty from becoming a bigger barrier to attendance.

What should I do if my child is absent?

If your child is unable to attend school, please tell us on the first day of absence and explain the reason.

You can report an absence by:

• telephoning the school office;

• using the school’s online absence reporting system; or

• emailing the school.

If your child continues to be absent, please keep school updated.

If we have not received a reason for your child’s absence, a member of staff will contact you. This is an important part of our safeguarding procedures.

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s attendance?

Please contact us as soon as possible.

There can be many reasons why a child may find regular attendance difficult. We want to work in partnership with families to understand any barriers and identify appropriate support.

You do not need to wait until attendance has fallen significantly before speaking to us.

What are parents' and carers' responsibilities?

Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that children of compulsory school age receive a suitable full-time education and, where registered at school, attend regularly and punctually.

School also has a responsibility to monitor attendance, identify concerns and work with families and other services when additional support is required.

What happens if attendance becomes a concern?

Our priority is always to work with families to improve attendance.

If we become concerned about a child’s attendance, we may:

1. Contact parents or carers to discuss our concerns.

2. Share the child’s current attendance information.

3. Explore any reasons or barriers affecting attendance.

4. Agree actions and support to help improve attendance.

5. Monitor attendance over an agreed period.

6. Arrange a meeting with parents or carers if concerns continue.

7. Seek support from the Local Authority or other appropriate services where necessary.

Where attendance does not improve despite support and intervention, the Local Authority may consider formal action in accordance with attendance legislation and national guidance.

Working together

Excellent attendance is a partnership between children, families and school.

At St Robert Bellarmine, we want every child to feel happy, safe and successful in school. Regular attendance gives children the opportunity to benefit fully from everything school has to offer.

If there is anything affecting your child's attendance or punctuality, please speak to us. Early communication gives us the best opportunity to help.