Attendance
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.
We appreciate your support in aiming to get your child to school on time each day.
ILLNESS/ABSENCE
Please ensure that you inform the school of any absence. If your child is absent, please telephone the school absence line (01437765376) and leave a message stating the child's name, class and reason for absence and provide regular updates.
If we are not informed of a child’s absence then it is classed as unauthorised. 10 sessions/5 days of unauthorised absence from school can result in a referral to the Education Welfare Officer, or Fixed Penalty Notice.
While we understand that children are on occasions ill, some common childhood illnesses do not require children to be kept home from school.
The NHS have provided guidelines around childhood illnesses and any recommended periods of absence from school. Click here: https://abbhealthiertogether.cymru.nhs.uk/parentscarers/child-unwell-ok-go-nurseryschool
HOLIDAYS
It is important that your child attends school regularly throughout the term in order to gain the maximum benefit from the education provided. Any applications for leave for a holiday during term time made by a parent with whom the pupil normally resides, will be considered on an individual basis by the head teacher or another person in the school who is authorised on behalf of the school, and it is at their discretion as to whether or not to authorise the absence.
We ask parents to please book holidays during the school holidays. Please note that should you take a holiday during term time you need to complete a Holiday Request Form at least 2 weeks ahead of the holiday date. Please contact the main school office to request a form.
School is open 190 days a year for pupils which means that there are 175 days available for holidays, medical appointments, shopping and birthday celebrations!
Use the website below to view Pembrokeshire County Council's guidance.