Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance

At Kilnwood Vale Primary School, we are committed to transforming educational achievement and providing pupils with the best start in life academically and as citizens. We promote the importance of pupils attending school on every day possible and recognise that daily attendance is crucial to success.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders across our school community – parents/carers, staff, governors, and pupils – to work together to ensure that every pupil and their family has the support and strategies required to attend school daily.

Punctuality

Pupils are expected to be at school for 8:40am, with registers taken promptly at 8:50am. Gates open from 8:35am. 

If a pupil arrives after 8:50am but before 9:00am, they will be marked as late (L code) and must report to the school office when arriving at school.

If a pupil arrives after 9:00am, which is referred to as ‘after the close of register’, the registration code will be recorded as an absence (U code) and negatively impact their attendance record. The pupil must report to the school office when arriving at school.

Arriving at school late is disruptive to a pupil’s daily routine and means that they miss a considerable amount of valuable learning time.

Minutes late per day	Lost learning time
5 minutes	3.4 school days per year
10 minutes	6.9 school days per year
15 minutes	10.3 school days per year
20 minutes	13.9 school days per year
30 minutes	20.7 school days per year

 

Reporting an absence

Parents and carers are expected to communicate with school promptly to inform if their child is going to be absent due to illness or other reasons and maintain daily contact during the period of absence.

Absences must be reported by contacting the school office on 01403 288263 at the earliest opportunity, or via email: info@kilnwoodvaleschool.org.

Absences from school can have a direct impact upon a child’s academic and social development due to lost learning time. We recognise that in our busy lives, it can become easy to lose track of the number of days that a child is absent over the school year, however daily attendance is vital to ensure that all children have the best opportunities to flourish and succeed.

Leave during term time

Parents and carers must request any planned leave of absence for exceptional circumstances in writing prior to the intended absence of their child. Requests will be reviewed, and a decision made as to whether the absence will be authorised or unauthorised.

In line with Department for Education (2024) regulations, holidays or absences for leisure and recreation would not constitute as exceptional circumstances.

As per the National Framework for Penalty Notices (2024) and in line with West Sussex County Council Code of Conduct, parents and carers may be issued with a fixed penalty notice or legal sanction if a pupil is absent due to unauthorised leave during term time.

Attendance support

Parents and carers are invited to contact the school if they wish to discuss their child’s attendance further or seek additional support.

Our school Attendance Officer/Family Support Worker is: Donna Leybourne

Our school Senior Leader for Attendance is: Jess Cushman 

Please contact us on  01403 288263 to initially speak with our Family Support Worker, or visit the school office.

Attendance Policy

Our school Attendance Policy can be found here, providing further information relating to attendance and absence processes, expectations and support.