Attendance Matters

At Holy Trinity CE Primary School, we want every child to come to school every day. Good attendance helps children learn, make friends and enjoy school. Every day in school is important.

Our aim is for every child to have 98% attendance or above. If your child is ill, we understand that they may need to stay at home. If they are well enough to come to school, they should attend every day and arrive on time.

Why is attendance important?

Children who come to school every day are more likely to:

  • Make good progress in their learning.

  • Build friendships.

  • Feel happy and confident.

  • Enjoy school.

  • Develop good habits for the future.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is ill and cannot come to school, please contact the school office as soon as possible on the first day of absence. If your child is absent for more than one day, please contact us each day unless we have agreed something different with you.

Medical Appointments

Please make medical and dental appointments outside school hours whenever possible. If this is not possible, your child should come to school before or after their appointment.

Leave During Term Time

Children should not be taken out of school during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The following are not normally authorised:

  • Family holidays.

  • Cheaper holidays.

  • Birthdays.

  • Visiting family or friends.

  • Travelling abroad to visit a seriously ill relative.

The school may authorise leave for:

  • The funeral of a close family member.

  • The wedding of a close family member.

This is normally one day for the event, plus up to two days for travel if needed.

If your child's attendance is below 95%, we will not normally authorise any leave during term time.

Do not book travel until you have received permission from the school.

Penalty Notices

If you take your child out of school without permission and they miss 5 school days (10 sessions) within a 10-school-week period, the school may ask the Local Authority to issue a Penalty Notice (fine).

The first Penalty Notice is:

  • £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.

  • £160 per parent, per child if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.

Further unauthorised absence may lead to more fines or legal action.

We Are Here to Help

If you are having difficulties that may affect your child's attendance, please speak to us as soon as possible. We are here to work with you and support your family so that every child can achieve their best.

Attendance Policy

Our Attendance Policy explains our attendance procedures in more detail.

Please click the link to read our Attendance Policy and download a Leave of Absence Request Form.