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Attendance
At Pyrcroft Grange Primary School, attendance is of paramount importance. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to making school attendance a top priority, fully integrated with every aspect of school improvement. We believe that children need to attend school regularly to make excellent progress and become successful learners, fully prepared for the next stage in their educational journey.
Our inclusive culture, rooted in a strong sense of belonging for all members of our school community, ensures that attending school in welcoming, engaging learning environments is embedded into our daily practice. This aligns with our school vision: "A centre of excellence for teaching and learning which unlocks the potential of every child through an inclusive, value-based curriculum."
We understand that each child is an individual, with unique strengths and barriers that may affect their attendance. Our approach is compassionate and personalised, ensuring that support is tailored to meet the needs of every pupil. We use evidence-based interventions, including those recommended by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), to guide our strategies and ensure they are impactful and research-informed.
At Pyrcroft Grange, attendance is everyone’s responsibility. We work in close partnership with families, staff, and external agencies to find supportive routes to securing excellent attendance for all pupils. Our whole school attendance target is 96% and above. Children across the school understand the importance of regular attendance, and we promote this through a range of incentives and strategies:
- A positive school culture in which the profile of attendance is visible
- An exciting, ambitious curriculum which engages children through high-quality teaching, pupil involvement, and enriching opportunities
- Strong, trusted relationships with pupils and families
- An excellent pastoral offer
- Recognition of improved attendance
- Celebration of half-termly and termly 100% attendance
- Letters sent home to parents celebrating improved and outstanding attendance
- Use of evidence-based approaches to identify and address barriers to attendance
Together, we foster a learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to attend every day.
Key staff linked to attendance.
- Mrs S Nardoni (Head and DSL overseeing attendance)
- Mrs S Davis (Attendance Officer)
- Miss C Smith (Governor linked to promoting positive attendance)
- Miss N Colley (Head of COIN/School SENCo)
- Miss C Ross (School SENCo)
- Class teachers (Open door policy)
- Surrey Attendance Support Team
As outlined in our attendance policy the school office must be notified on the first day your child is absent
- Call the school (01932 564094) to report their child’s absence (before 8.40am on the day of the absence and each subsequent day of absence) and advise when they are expected to return. If you are unsure whether your child can attend school with an illness, please follow this link Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- In line with the guidance from Public Health, if your child is sick or has an episode of diarrhoea it is recommended that they stay away from school for 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea or sickness.
Failure to notify us of a reason for absence may result in a home visit being conducted to ensure you and your child's safety. If the whereabouts of a child cannot be determined, they will be reported as 'missing/absent' from education to the local authority.
If you wish to apply for a leave of absence for your child(ren), please collect a form from the school office.
Holiday requests during term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Attendance Support and Monitoring Procedures at Pyrcroft Grange Primary School
At Pyrcroft Grange Primary School, attendance is everyone’s responsibility. We monitor attendance carefully using our Attend system and provide graduated support when attendance begins to decline. If a child misses 10% or more of schooling across the academic year, they are classed as a Persistent Absentee (attendance below 90%).
Universal Offer
All pupils are monitored regularly through our attendance systems. Daily first-day contact is made when a child is absent. We promote excellent attendance through positive relationships, high expectations, regular monitoring of attendance patterns, informal conversations with pupils following absence, and early discussion of concerns with relevant school staff and external professionals where appropriate.
Stage 1: Early Monitoring (Attendance 94%–95.9%)
When attendance falls below 96% and reaches between 94% and 95.9%, a message will be sent home to make parents aware of the decline in attendance. Attendance will be reviewed fortnightly through the Attend system. At this stage, the aim is to raise awareness, identify any emerging concerns and work together to prevent further decline.
Stage 2: Increased Monitoring (Attendance 93%–93.99%)
If attendance continues to decline and falls between 93% and 93.99%, families will receive a further message home. Attendance will be reviewed weekly. School staff may contact parents to discuss any emerging barriers and to explore support options where required. Medical evidence may be requested where illness is cited as the reason for absence.
Stage 3: Informal Support (Attendance 90%–92.99%)
Where attendance falls between 90% and 92.99%, families will receive a message home and be invited to attend an informal attendance meeting. During this stage, barriers to attendance will be explored through an Attendance Assessment. Support may include liaison with health services, consideration of an Individual Health Care Plan, support from the SENCO or ELSA, alterations to provision where appropriate, rewards for improved attendance and referrals to external agencies. Attendance will be reviewed weekly.
Stage 4: Formal Support (Attendance Below 90%)
Once attendance falls below 90%, a child is identified as a Persistent Absentee. A formal letter will be sent home, and parents will be invited to attend an attendance contract meeting. The school may involve relevant professionals including health, SEND, and social care services. Attendance contracts, formal monitoring and, where necessary, Notice to Improve procedures may be implemented. Attendance will be reviewed fortnightly to monitor progress.
Celebrating Good Attendance
Families of children achieving 100% attendance during the week will receive a positive message home. Excellent attendance is recognised and celebrated regularly to reinforce the importance of attending school every day.
If Attendance Does Not Improve
Where attendance fails to improve despite support and intervention, the school may seek further advice from Surrey Attendance Service and consider requesting a Penalty Notice or prosecution in line with statutory guidance.
