WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Having good attendance is important because pupils are more likely to succeed academically when they attend school consistently. It’s difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if students are frequently absent. In addition to falling behind in academics, students who are not in school on a regular basis are more likely to get into trouble with the law and cause issues in their communities. 

At Waldo Williams Primary, our aspirational attendance target is 95%. It is widely recognised that children who have school attendance of 95%+ have a better chance of reaching their true potential and academic success.  Please work with the school to ensure your child has the best possible attendance.

WHERE IS YOUR CHILD ON THE ATTENDANCE LADDER?

It is worth considering where your child would appear on this ladder. If you need any support in improving your child’s attendance or would like to discuss your child’s attendance then please contact Mrs Thomas (our Family Liaison Officer) or Sasha in the main school office and we will be happy to help you.

Punctuality is a very important learning habit as there is a clear link between attendance/punctuality and attainment; the more time a pupil spends in school the more likely they are to improve their opportunity to fulfil their full potential.

 Being frequently late for school or lessons adds up to lost learning time:

• Arriving 5 minutes late every day adds up to over 3 days lost each year.
• Arriving 15 minutes late every day is the same as being absent for 2 weeks a year.
• Arriving 30 minutes late every day is the same as being absent for 19 days a year.

Being on time is a good thing:

• It gets the day off to a good start with everyone in a positive frame of mind.
• It helps your child make the most of their learning and sets positive patterns for the future.
• It helps children develop a sense of responsibility both for themselves and for others
• It helps your child make and keep friends.
• It improves self-confidence

**SEPTEMBER 2026 - ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES UPDATE **
 

Working Together to Give Every Child the Best Chance to Succeed 

Good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their best. Every day in school matters, and even small amounts of absence can quickly add up over time. 

As a school, we are committed to working positively and constructively with families to promote good attendance. We also have a responsibility to follow Welsh Government guidance and local authority expectations. 

What Should I Do If My Child Needs Time Away From School? 

If your child requires a planned period of absence from school, you must complete a Period of Absence Request Form. 

Forms should be completed for all planned absences, regardless of the reason. 

Requests will be considered on an individual basis and in line with current guidance. 

What About Family Holidays During Term Time? 

Schools are no longer able to authorise family holidays simply because a pupil has good attendance. 

Requests for family holidays during term time are unlikely to be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

Any absence that is not authorised will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. 

What Happens If My Child Is Absent? 

The school will contact parents and carers where reasons for absence have not been provided. 

We may request further information where necessary and will monitor attendance throughout the year. 

Where attendance begins to cause concern, we will contact families as early as possible to discuss how we can work together to improve attendance. 

What Happens If Attendance Continues to Decline? 

Our approach is always to support families first. 

This may include: 

• Discussions with parents and carers 

• Attendance meetings 

• Attendance support plans 

• Referrals to additional services where appropriate 

Medical needs, exceptional circumstances and individual family situations will always be taken into consideration. 

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) 

Fixed Penalty Notices are often referred to as "holiday fines", but this is not strictly correct. Remember: FPNs are attendance fines, not holiday fines. 

They may be considered when a child's attendance becomes a significant concern and relevant thresholds are met. 

As attendance remains a national priority, it is likely that FPNs will be used more frequently than in previous years. 

The school and the Education Welfare Service will always consider any relevant medical evidence or exceptional circumstances before progressing formal action. 

Punctuality Matters Too 

To help children start the day positively: 

Gates open at 8.45 am 

Pupils should be in class by 8.50 am 

Registration begins at 8.55 am 

The gates will close promptly at 8.55 am. Pupils arriving after this time should enter via the small gate and report to the school office with their parent or carer so that their late arrival can be recorded. 

Our Commitment 

We understand that every family faces challenges from time to time. Our aim is always to work with parents and carers in a supportive, understanding and respectful manner. 

By working together to improve attendance and punctuality, we can ensure that every child has the best possible opportunity to learn, achieve and thrive. 

Thank you for your support, 
Waldo Williams Primary School