Why is attendance important? 

Primary school is the foundation for a child’s future. It’s where children learn essential skills like reading, writing, and maths, and where they develop confidence, curiosity, and friendships that shape who they become. But learning doesn’t happen all at once - it builds day by day. That is why regular attendance is so important. Every school day brings new lessons and experiences and missing even a few days, can make it harder for children to stay on track. Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, succeed academically, and build the habits they’ll need for lifelong learning.

Lateness and Punctuality 

At Brimscombe, we monitor the lateness of children in our care as being punctual is crucial to ensure a positive start to the day. Lateness into school causes disruption to that child’s learning and can lead to an unsettled start to the school day. It is paramount therefore that all children arrive at school on time. Children in all year groups will be welcomed into school when it opens at 8:45am. We expect all children to arrive at school between 8:45am and 8:55am. The school gates close at 9:00am and this indicates that the school day has started.

Our approach to Attendance 

• We expect high attendance from all pupils. Our attendance target for all pupils is 96% or above. 
• We recognise that good attendance is a shared responsibility between school, parents and pupils 
• We make school a place children want to attend by creating a welcoming and engaging environment where children feel safe and valued, and learning is interesting and appropriately challenged. 

This policy is based on: 

• Working Together to Improve School Attendance (DfE, 2024), which is statutory guidance for schools. 
• Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which places a duty on parents to ensure their children receive an education
• The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, which sets out schools' responsibilities for keeping an attendance register 
•  Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2025, which recognises that absence can be a safeguarding concern. 

This policy is reviewed annually by our governing body to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current legislation.