Attendance Matters – Information for Parents & Carers

Good attendance is essential for your child’s learning, wellbeing and future success. Every day at school builds skills, confidence and friendships.

Your Responsibility

By law, parents and carers must ensure their child attends school every day during term time, unless there is a valid reason for absence.

Our Expectations

• We expect children to attend school every day and on time
• 100% attendance gives children the best chance to succeed
• Attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absence

Missing school means missing learning that cannot always be caught up.

When Absence Is Acceptable

Absence may be authorised when:

• Your child is too ill to attend
• The Headteacher has approved the absence
• It is for a recognised religious observance

Minor illnesses (such as colds or headaches) do not usually require time off school.

Reporting Absence

• Contact the school on the first day of absence
• Unexplained absence may be recorded as unauthorised

Medical Appointments

• Should be made outside school hours wherever possible
• Even authorised appointments still affect overall attendance

Term‑Time Holidays

• Holidays during term time are not authorised
• Only exceptional circumstances may be considered
• Unauthorised holidays may result in a penalty notice (fine)

Punctuality

• Arriving late disrupts learning and affects wellbeing
• Late arrival after registers close is recorded as an unauthorised absence

Legal Action

If attendance does not improve, Kent County Council may take action, including:

• Attendance meetings
• Parenting contracts
• Penalty notices or prosecution

Support is always offered first.

We Are Here to Help

If you are experiencing difficulties affecting your child’s attendance, please speak to us early. We work with families and support services to help every child attend regularly.

Every day counts.
Let’s work together to give your child the best possible start.