Our Lady's Catholic Primary School is proudly recognised as an Inclusive Attendance school. Our unwavering commitment to attendance centres around child-centric actions, evidence-informed practices, and a shared understanding of everyone's roles and collective responsibilities to promote exceptional attendance.

At Our Lady's, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to making school attendance a top priority, fully integrated with every aspect of school improvement. Using the Inclusive Attendance Model – the first and only accredited programme providing the pedagogy of practice – we support children and families to connect, belong, and thrive.

Inclusive Attendance Professional Development Model

The Inclusive Attendance professional development model fundamentally guides our attendance approach. Comprising six tailored Learning Modules, this model empowers us to deepen our understanding by facilitating continuous professional learning for all staff. Within this model, the four domains of practice ensure the provision of professional learning, professional development, evidence-based practices, and exemplary leadership and management seamlessly integrate theory into practice.

What To Do if Your Child is Absent from School

Please phone on the first day of absence leaving your child's name, class and reason for absence. This needs to be done every day that your child is absent from school. These messages may be left on the school's answer phone, or delivered in person.

If we have not heard from a parent by 9.30am as to why their child is absent from school, we will ring all of the contact numbers registered for that child until contact is made.

Medical Appointments

If possible, please advise the office beforehand if children have to attend a medical appointment during school hours. Please sign them in and out of school at the main office.

Leave of Absence during Term Time

Parents are requested not to take their children on holiday during term time and holidays taken during term time are classed as unauthorised unless prior authorisation has been granted by the Headteacher.

The school may legally authorise a request for leave where there are 'exceptional circumstances' only. Please contact the office for further information.

Inclusive Attendance Implementation Programme
Each year Our Lady's reviews and further enhances attendance practices through dedicated participation in the Inclusive Attendance 7-month implementation programme. This investment allows us to remain at the forefront of educational change and extends unparalleled support to our children and their families, equipping them with access to the finest possible support.

Impact and Collaboration
Through our ongoing year-long implementation programme, and five year long-term strategy, we deliver measurable impact by creating an inclusive attendance culture and improving outcomes for all children and young people. We are outward-facing in our approach and value working regionally and nationally, through a systems-led model with other schools and external agencies. We continually strengthen and enhance our offer year on year. This work is underpinned by ongoing accredited CPD for staff each year, ensuring sustainable change, stronger outcomes for children and young people, and a deeply embedded culture of collective responsibility.

Multi-Tiered System of Support

To guarantee a comprehensive approach to attendance, we implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for school attendance involves three tiers of intervention, with roles for teachers, the school, children, parents, and external agencies – including the Local Authority.  Data-driven decision-making and training requirements are pivotal to the implementation of the system.  The system aligns with the Department for Education's (DFE) "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" guidelines. 

Recognition-Based Approach

Our attendance philosophy is rooted in a recognition-based approach that recognises both personal and collective achievements. This approach serves to thwart isolation, prevent victimisation, cultivate positive environments, nurture relationships, foster inclusivity, and ultimately cultivate intrinsic motivation among our children, families, and staff. Each week the class with the highest attendance is recognised. As well as this, the class teachers can nominate their class for attendance recognition if they have reason to celebrate – these classes will then get to pick a prize box and the contents is theirs! 

The Importance of School Attendance

School attendance is not merely a requirement but a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping academic success, personal growth, and future prospects, making it an indispensable aspect of any educational system.  Select the important factors below and remove any that do not relate.

• Academic Achievement: Regular attendance directly correlates with academic success. Children who attend school consistently are more likely to keep up with the curriculum, perform better in exams, and improve their life outcomes.
• Knowledge Acquisition: School is where children acquire knowledge and skills that are crucial for their personal and professional growth. Missing days means missing out on valuable learning opportunities.
• Social Development: School provides a vital social environment for children and adolescents to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn essential social skills. Consistent attendance ensures children remain connected to their peer group.
• Building Routine: School attendance establishes a structured routine in children’s lives, teaching them time management and responsibility, which are valuable life skills.
• Teacher Interaction: Regular attendance allows for meaningful teacherchild interactions. Teachers can provide personalised support, address questions, and assess individual progress more effectively when children attend regularly.
• Preventing Knowledge Gaps: Frequent absences can lead to significant knowledge gaps, making it challenging for children to catch up with missed lessons, potentially resulting in longterm academic struggles.
• School Engagement: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and other enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development.
• Legal and Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring their child's regular school attendance. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences.
• Community Wellbeing: High levels of school attendance contribute to the overall wellbeing of communities.

The Impact of Non-Attendance

We cannot stress enough how vitally important good attendance is in ensuring your child makes good progress. If they are regularly late or missing days on a regular basis, this leads to the child falling behind in their learning.