Monksmead School

Attendance

At Monksmead School we know that regular attendance is a cornerstone of successful learning.  Caring for pupils from Reception to Year 6, we are committed to ensuring every pupil is supported to attend as often as possible. Good attendance helps pupils access learning, build friendships and achieve their best.

Why attendance matters

• Learning continuity: Frequent absence disrupts the sequence of teaching. Regular attendance ensures pupils benefit from planned lessons and make steady progress.
• Well-being and belonging: Being in school supports social development, emotional security and the sense of community we value at Monksmead.
• Full access to support: Many of our pupils receive personalised support and interventions; consistent attendance means these are delivered effectively.
• Life chances: Good attendance builds habits and resilience that underpin future success.

These reasons tie directly to our vision and values: Respect (for one another’s time and learning), Reflect (on progress and needs), Believe (in every pupil’s potential) and Succeed (through consistent effort and support).

Our expectations

• We ask that pupils attend school every day unless they are unwell or there is a legitimate reason for absence.
• Parents and carers should contact the school office on the first day of any absence and keep us informed of likely duration.
• Where attendance falls below expectations, we will contact families promptly to offer support and understand barriers.

How we support good attendance

We recognise that some pupils face additional challenges. Our approach is supportive, personalised and practical:

• Early help and personalised plans: For pupils with high SEN/EHCP needs we work with families and professionals to create realistic attendance plans that balance health and learning.
• Flexible arrangements where appropriate: We may agree phased returns, part-time timetables or targeted interventions for short periods to support reintegration.
• Positive recognition: We celebrate good and improving attendance with class rewards and praise, reinforcing our value of Believe in each pupil.
• Regular monitoring: Attendance is reviewed each half term.  If concerns arise, or patterns of absence emerge, we will meet with families to put in place supportive measures and to discuss any barriers to attendance.
• Partnership working: We collaborate with health services, the local authority and other agencies when needed to remove barriers to attendance.

Practical guidance for parents

• Please aim to book medical and dental appointments outside school hours where possible. If this is not possible, bring your child to school before or after the appointment.
• Keep us informed of ongoing or recurring issues (medical, transport, family circumstances) so we can help.
• For planned absences (e.g. exceptional family circumstances), request permission through the school office in advance. Unauthorised absence may be referred to the local authority.
• Encourage routines at home — regular bedtimes, morning routines and school-ready habits all help children arrive prepared to learn.

What we ask of families

• Communicate with us quickly about absence.
• Work with school staff to agree reasonable plans if attendance is affected by health or additional needs.
• Reinforce routines and encourage your child to attend whenever they are well enough.

Next steps / How to get help

• Report absence by calling the school office on the first day of absence.
• If you are worried about attendance or need support, contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance or request a meeting with a member of the Senior Leadershp Team. We will listen and work with you to find solutions.

Regular attendance is essential to learning, well‑being and long-term success. At Monksmead School we believe every pupil can succeed within our happy, respectful community. By working together — families, staff and external partners — we will support pupils to attend, engage and thrive, reflecting our values of Respect, Reflect, Believe, Succeed.

Guidance for parents - family holidays

Our Attendance Policy can be viewed by clicking here.   

Please click here to download our Pupil Absence Request Form.

The Governing Body and Staff at this school are opposed to avoidable absences from school.

We believe that, in most circumstances, family holidays should be taken to coincide with school holidays. 

Children’s absence for a family holiday has a particularly damaging effect upon progress at school.  Children are typically excited, distracted and lacking concentration for several days prior to the holiday and it takes them several days to settle into a routine after their return to school.  Our curriculum is carefully structured and challenging and all classes will undertake a range of new work each week.  New work frequently builds upon previous learning and children often find it difficult to “catch up” after a period of absence.  The Headteacher is the only person who can authorise a child’s absence from school.

Parents who are planning a family holiday, which will require a child to be absent from school should complete the Leave of Absence form at least 20 days before the first day of proposed absence, giving details and the reason for the holiday being taken during term time.  The Headteacher will reply giving a decision with regards to the authorisation of the absence. The Leave of Absence form is available here.  We have developed these arrangements in close co-operation with all other local Primary and Secondary Schools.