Attendance
Why is it important?
Having good attendance is important because students 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 Lliswerry 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 Wells or the main school office and we will be happy to help you.
Punctuality
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. Classroom doors open at 8:40am and close at 8:50am.
illness
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.
Please ensure that you inform the school of any absence.
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 Fixed penalty Notice being issued by Newport City Council.
If your child is absent from school please ensure you inform the school of the reason on the first day of absence and provide regular updates. You can do this through Schoop, by leaving a message on the school telephone answer machine, by letter or by speaking directly to your child’s class teacher.
Use the website below to view the NHS guidance: Is my child too ill for school?
Holidays
In line with Newport City Council Policy, holidays are an unauthorised absence from school. Parents and carers of children who have 5 days/10 sessions of unauthorised absence will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
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 Leave of Absence/Holiday form. Please contact the main school office for an appointment.
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 Newport City Council's guidance.
