At Flyford Flavell Primary  School, we aim for the best possible attendance and  support  parents by giving out term dates as early as possible. We ask parents to support us and only withdraw children from school when they are genuinely unwell. 

Parents may not be aware of the impact school absence has on our community.  When children return from an absence, we need to get them up to speed with their learning.  Our English work is always based on a text, so a support is drawn away from children who need it most whilst the class text is revisited.  Learning is hierarchical, for example, if introducing a mathematical concept then we can not introduce lesson 5 on fractions without going over the previous learning.  We have to repeat this across our curriculum.   This takes our support staff away from their usual duties including supporting children that they would usually work with in class.  Other children in the class do not then get the best possible deal due to someone taking an unauthorised absence. 

We also have unusual patterns of absence, where children are encouraged by their parents to be dishonest about why they are not in school.  This puts both teachers and children in a difficult position and does not build up the positive and trusting relationships that we aim for.   

Unauthorised or unusual patterns of attendance may also preclude children from being considered for important roles in school.  For example, when choosing our Head Boy/Girl, Prefects, Sports Captains etc, we need children who have been excellent role models in many areas, with attendance being one of these areas. 

Parents who are considering withdrawing their child during term time are asked to come into school to speak to the Headteacher so  that they are well informed of the impact of taking time out of school.   Our Governors will also invite parents to an attendance meeting should they have ongoing concerns in regard to attendance.   

Fines for unauthorised absence may be issued by our Local Authority.

Student attendance over one school year

98% attendance = approximately 4 days absent from school

95% attendance = approximately 10 days absent from school

90% attendance = approximately 4 weeks absent from school

85% attendance = approximately 5 ½ weeks absent from school

80% attendance = approximately 7 ½ weeks absent from school

Student attendance over 5 years

90-95 % attendance = similar to having 3 months off school

85- 90% attendance = similar to having half a year off school

80% attendance = similar to having a whole year off school