At Churcham Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance is essential for every child’s learning, wellbeing and long‑term success. We work closely with families to promote regular attendance and ensure that every pupil can benefit fully from the education we provide.
We expect all pupils to attend school every day, Monday to Friday, during term time unless an absence meets the criteria for authorised leave.
Even short periods of absence can affect a child’s progress, confidence and social development. Missing just one day can mean missed learning that is difficult to catch up.
Attendance is everyone's responsibility. At Churcham Primary School we believe that pupils attend best when school is safe, supportive, engaging and when strong partnerships exist between home and school. This reflects the expectations set out in DfE guidance: Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_2026.
Attend school every day unless genuinely unwell.
Arrive on time and ready to learn.
Speak to a trusted adult if there are worries about attending school.
Ensure children attend school every day and arrive on time.
Inform the school on the first day of absence.
Work positively with the school when attendance concerns arise.
Avoid requesting leave during term time.
Promote attendance positively every day.
Follow attendance procedures consistently.
Identify attendance concerns early.
Work with families to understand and overcome barriers.
View attendance as a safeguarding responsibility.
Monitor attendance regularly.
Challenge and support improvements.
Ensure attendance remains a strategic priority.
Provide appropriate resources and training.
We follow the DfE graduated response:
Expect high attendance.
Monitor attendance closely.
Listen and Understand barriers.
Facilitate Support for families.
Formalise Support where necessary.
Enforce attendance when all other options have been exhausted.
The DfE is clear that holidays are not normally considered exceptional circumstances and will usually be unauthorised. Parents should avoid booking holidays during term time.
Regular attendance:
Improves academic achievement.
Supports wellbeing and friendships.
Helps children feel safe and secure.
Enables early identification of safeguarding concerns.
Improves future life opportunities.
Absences may be authorised when they fall into one of the following categories:
Illness
Medical or dental appointments (where possible, these should be arranged outside school hours)
Religious observance
Educational visits or approved activities
Exceptional circumstances (as defined by the school and in line with DfE guidance)
Parents must inform the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence, explaining the reason.
Please see a link to NHS guidance on illness and school attendance - Is my child too ill for school? - NHS
Absences that do not meet the criteria above will be recorded as unauthorised. This includes:
Holidays during term time
Absences without explanation
Absences where the reason provided does not meet authorised criteria
The school monitors attendance closely and works with families to address concerns early. Where attendance does not improve, we may involve the Gloucestershire County Council Inclusion Team.
Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and may result in:
A penalty notice
Prosecution in the magistrates’ court
Further action from the Local Authority
If you need to request leave during term time, you must complete an Absence Request Form and read our Attendance Policy before submitting your request. Only the Headteacher can authorise absence.
We are committed to supporting families to achieve strong attendance. If you are experiencing difficulties that may affect your child’s attendance, please contact the school office or speak with the Headteacher. Early communication helps us work together to find solutions.
Please see the link to DFE guidance on attendance - Working together to improve school attendance - GOV.UK