Attendance
Attendance at St Werburgh's Primary School
St Werburgh's Primary School believes that good attendance is vital for effective teaching and learning. Pupils can only achieve their full potential by attending school regularly.
Our target attendance for all pupils is 95% or more. Pupils achieving this will be regularly rewarded for their commitment to good attendance.
If your child’s attendance drops below 95%, we will contact you to understand the reasons for their absence. As a school, we have a responsibility to promote and ensure good attendance. If your child’s attendance falls below acceptable levels, for instance below the national average (95%) or worse, we will take the necessary steps outlined in our Attendance Policy. These measures may include letters, meetings (in-person or virtual), attendance contracts, or other interventions.
In cases where attendance drops to a very concerning level, such as below 90%, we are required to notify the Education Welfare Service at Derby City Council.
Our Commitment
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Promoting and modeling good attendance.
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Ensuring equality and fairness for all pupils.
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Taking early intervention steps and collaborating with other agencies to ensure pupil health and safety.
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Rewarding pupils for regular attendance.
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Ensuring parents comply with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which states: “The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full-time education suitable: a) to age, ability, and aptitude, and b) to any special educational needs he/she may have, Either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.”
For further guidance, please refer to our Parent Information Leaflet on Attendance.
Term-Time Absence
Parents are strongly discouraged from taking children on holiday during term time. Holidays taken during term time will be unauthorised, and a fine may be issued.
Leave during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances, such as:
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Bereavement of a close family member.
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Serious illness.
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Military personnel returning from active service.
Requests for term-time absence must be submitted in writing to the Headteacher at least four weeks in advance. Each request will be reviewed individually, taking into account the pupil’s attendance history. If a request is not granted, any absence will be recorded as unauthorised, which may lead to penalties, including a fine. Holidays during term time are unlikely to be authorised and will typically result in a penalty notice.
Medical Appointments
Where possible, please schedule medical appointments outside of school hours. If this is unavoidable, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance by emailing admin@stwrerburghs.derby.sch.uk. Inform us if your child will arrive late or leave early due to the appointment. Medical proof will be required for all appointments.
Please note that all medical appointments, whether authorised or unauthorised, will impact your child’s attendance percentage.
Remember: Days off school add up to lost learning!