Understandably, coronavirus led us all to depart from established patterns; however, it is now very important everyone returns to placing the highest priority on school attendance, especially as we strive to fill the gaps in learning left by successive national lockdowns.

 

According to government figures, the pupils with the highest attainment at the end of key stage 2 have higher rates of attendance over the key stage compared to those with the lowest attainment.

 

I can only grant leaves of absence in 'exceptional circumstances' - a family holiday does not fall into this category, and you can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s permission.

 

It is equally important children attend school on time each morning: if a child arrives several minutes late every day, they are losing out on almost an hour of class-based learning a week. Parents or carers must also complete a confidential late-book entry before leaving.