Attendance

Attendance Policy

Fortnightly Class Attendance Winners

Each fortnight the class with the highest attendance receives a certificate

(last 8 weeks)

Attendance Matters at Bursted Wood Primary School

Why is Attendance so important?

We are seeing a concerning rise in absences. In line with national guidance (Working Together to Improve School Attendance, August 2024), we are taking a firmer stance on attendance.

• Every day counts: Each school day builds on the last. Missing even a few days can disrupt learning and make it harder for students to catch up.
• Good habits last a lifetime: Regular attendance helps children develop routines, responsibility, and resilience—skills that are essential for success in school and beyond.
• Social and emotional growth: Being in school helps children build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Let’s work together to build strong attendance habits that last a lifetime. Your support makes a real difference.

Unauthorised holidays

As part of the national guidance Working Together to Improve School Attendance (August 2024), schools are now required to take a firmer approach to attendance. Term-time holidays are not authorised, and if a child misses 10 or more sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) without authorisation, parents may be issued with a penalty notice. Continued unauthorised absences may lead to further legal action.

Our expectations

At Bursted Wood Primary School we aim for 100% attendance. We understand that illness and exceptional circumstances may happen:

• Attendance below 96% is classed as improvement needed
• Attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absence
• Attendance below 85% is classed as severe absence

Our Attendance Team is here to help. If you’re facing challenges with attendance or punctuality, we’re ready to listen and support you.

How We Support You

Our Attendance Team is here to help. If you’re facing challenges with attendance or punctuality, we’re ready to listen and support you by:

• Monitoring attendance closely and identify patterns of absence
• Offer support first, with formal action used only when needed
• Open communication with parents and carers
• Work with external agencies when needed

Contact us: attendance@burstedwood.school

Mrs L Harborne & Miss E Bonner
Bursted Wood Attendance Team

The school day

• Gates open: 8.30am
• Registers close: 8.50am
• Children arriving after 8.50am will receive a late mark
• Children arriving after 9am will receive an unauthorised late mark
• End of the day: 3.10pm

We understand that traffic and parking can be difficult. If you’re struggling with punctuality, please speak to us—we’re here to help.

Punctuality is a key part of school life and helps set children up for success. Arriving on time ensures pupils start the day calmly and ready to learn, without missing important instructions or the beginning of lessons. It also shows respect for teachers and classmates, and helps develop good habits such as organisation and responsibility.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is absent (except for 48-hour sickness or long-term medical recovery), please notify us before 9.00 am each day:

• Call the absence line: 0208 304 9960
• Email: absence@burstedwood.school
• Message via the School Gateway app (for absences only)

For all other queries, please email: admin@burstedwood.school

Medical Appointments

Where possible, please book appointments outside school hours. If unavoidable, we ask that appointments be made after 2.00 pm or during holidays.

If your child must attend a medical appointment during school hours, please provide one of the following:

• Appointment card
• Letter from the provider
• Confirmation text message

Evidence can be emailed or shown at the school office.