Attendance

Here at Willow Primary School we aim to give your children the very best education possible.

At Willow Primary School, we believe that attending school regularly is important to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for all of our children. Everyone in our whole school community takes responsibility for attendance. Attending school regularly means:

• Children can make the most of their education, improving their chances in adult life.
• Children will develop their social skills, such as making and keeping friendships.
• A regular and punctual attendance pattern will help children when they enter the world of work.

The school has an attendance target of over 97% and the biggest barrier to achieving our target is holidays taken during term time and children being kept home due to minor colds, coughs and sneezes. 

We ask that holidays are only booked during the academy holiday periods. 

We do not authorise term time absences and adhere to government and DMBC guidelines with regard to fining.

For further information please refer to the Attendance Policy and the documents below.

Class Rewards

Each week, children have their attendance monitored in preparation for Friday's assembly. In assembly, each class has their attendance percentage from the previous week shared with the school and classes receive a reward, including 'Flapjack Friday' where the class with the best attendance gets Flapjack to eat after break-time. 

At the end of each term, all the children with 100% attendance will receive a certificate. At the end of the year, the children with 100% throughout the whole year will be entered into a prize draw and receive a special treat.

We are very supportive and welcome parents to contact us if there is a problem.  Please keep talking to us!

Punctuality and Lateness

Lateness is disruptive to ALL children and we know that routine is the key to success to make sure children arrive punctually.

At home, routine is the key to making simple changes for success.  Here are a few tips to try with the family:

• Going to school unprepared can be a major worry for children - help them by checking school bags the night before, packing P.E. bags and keeping an eye on their homework.
• Tired children aren't punctual and find it hard to learn, so ensure your child has a sensible bed time.
• Help them get into a regular routine and set an alarm at the same time every morning.
• Make time for breakfast there will be no stop off at the shops where they can get side tracked on the way to school.
• Children can become unsettled if they have to go into school late and without their friends.
• Have a memory board at home for special trips activities to help remind you and help them remember to prepare for it.
• Try to be strict on absences and show your child that attending school is a priority to you and key to their success

The Attendance Officer constantly monitors the registers and will intervene with all cases below 95% or if lateness is becoming a barrier to progress or welfare.