Every day matters. Every minute matters.

Our Attendance Commitment

At Marchwood Junior School, we believe that regular attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential. We are committed to providing a high-quality education where every child feels valued, welcomed and supported.

Parents, carers, teachers and school leaders all share responsibility for making sure children attend school regularly and arrive on time. Every child has a right to the education they are entitled to, and we want to work in partnership with families to support this.

Why Attendance Matters

Being in school every day, on time, when the school is open helps children to:

• make the most of learning opportunities
• build confidence with friends and staff
• develop important routines for later life
• achieve well academically
• feel settled, safe and connected to school

Good attendance is also important for children’s future aspirations and for the habits they will need in the world of work.

How the School Supports Attendance

We work hard to support good attendance through a range of approaches, including:

• a welcoming and inclusive school environment
• a positive culture and strong relationships
• friendly reminders and check-ins
• clear communication with families
• attendance reminders in school newsletters
• support from staff at the school gate
• enrichment and wider school opportunities
• certificates and praise for good attendance
• help for children who need support with attendance, wellbeing or routines

Attendance Support Stages

We use a tiered approach to support attendance:

Tier 1 - Universal Support

For all children:

• whole-school positive attendance culture
• reminders and encouragement for families
• regular attendance monitoring
• celebration of good attendance

Tier 2 - Early Intervention

For children whose attendance is beginning to fall:

• attendance shared with class teachers
• check-ins after absence
• encouragement and support from school staff

Tier 3 - Targeted Support

For children with attendance below 90%:

• letters of concern
• weekly monitoring
• meetings with parents or carers
• attendance plans and agreed actions
• possible additional support from school

Tier 4 - Intensive Support

For children with very low attendance:

• more formal support and involvement from external agencies
• home visits where appropriate
• case management
• consideration of further interventions

What We Expect

We expect all children to aim for 100% attendance wherever possible.

Parents and carers should:

• make sure their child attends school every day unless the absence is unavoidable
• encourage punctual arrival at school each day
• contact school promptly by 9.00am on the first day of absence via phone or email
• let school know about planned absence in advance
• avoid taking children out of school for non-urgent medical or dental appointments
• only request leave of absence in truly exceptional circumstances

Punctuality

Children are considered late if they arrive after 8.50am.

• Registers formally close at 9.20am
• If a child is late three times or more in a half term, the school may invite parents to meet with the headteacher or send a letter home
• Continued lateness may lead to further action

Need Help?

If you are worried about your child’s attendance, please contact the school as early as possible. We are here to help.