Highcliffe Primary School seeks to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise his/her true potential.  The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually. It is vital that all students aim to have excellent attendance at school. Research shows that even a few days of absence can have a negative impact on students’ performance. 

Attendance is monitored as follows:

The school day begins at 8.45am and all pupils are expected to be in school by this time. Pupils who arrive after 8.45am will be marked as late. Pupils arriving after this time must sign in at the office.

What Is Expected Of The Pupils?

• To respect themselves and others
• To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually
• To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied
• To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging
• To be happy and encourage others to feel happy

What Is Expected Of The Parents?

• To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
• To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence
• To ensure that their child arrives at school on time; a reason should be offered for any lateness
• To work closely with the school to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance
• To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in special/exceptional circumstances
• To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times
• To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements
• Notify us in advance about planned absences and arrange medical or dental appointments outside the school day, where possible.

It would also be useful if parents could contact the school by 9am to let us know if their son/daughter is going to be absent. This is for safeguarding reasons.

The person who is in charge of attendance in school is Miss Kerrie White – Assistant Head teacher.

For more detailed information, please see our Attendance Policy.

Our whole school attendance is currently: 96.3!

School Attendance – Post Covid lockdown

The government have stated that from September 2020 all children must return to school, to minimise the longer-term impact of the pandemic on your children’s education, wellbeing and wider development. Missing more time in the classroom will put your child at risk of falling further behind.

Children with higher overall absence tend to achieve less well in both primary and secondary school. Schools and the Education Welfare Team will be working with families to secure regular school attendance from the start of the autumn term to help pupils catch up on missed education, make progress and promote their wellbeing and wider development.

School attendance is therefore mandatory again from the beginning of the autumn term – September 2020. This means that from this point in time, the usual rules on compulsory school attendance will apply.

For more information, please follow these useful government links:

• School Attendance Guidance
• Recording attendance in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) during the 2020 to 2021 academic year