Attendance

Attendance

At OBN, we fully support the Somerset Local Authority Attendance Policy and believe that being in school regularly makes a real difference to children's learning, friendships, wellbeing and confidence. Good attendance helps children establish positive routines, build strong relationships and achieve their full potential.

We want every child to feel happy coming to school and to make the most of every day.

We understand that there can sometimes be genuine reasons why attendance becomes difficult. If this happens, we will work closely with families in a supportive way to understand any barriers and help improve attendance wherever possible. We monitor attendance regularly and will contact parents if we have concerns so that we can work together early rather than allow problems to develop.

Each week, we celebrate attendance and recognise the efforts that children and families make to ensure regular attendance. By working together, we can help every child achieve their best.

Expectations for Attendance

Children should attend school every day that the school is open unless there is a legitimate reason for absence.

Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly and arrives on time each day.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, please contact the school by 8:45am on each day of absence by calling:

01823 461533

Please provide a reason for the absence when you contact us.

Attendance Procedures

Attendance registers are a legal requirement and are taken twice each day:

• Morning register closes at 9:10am
• Afternoon register closes at 1:10pm

To ensure the safety of all pupils, the following procedures apply:

1. Class teachers and office staff monitor attendance daily and ensure that absences are accounted for.
2. Parents must contact the school by 9.00am each day their child is absent either by phone or email. Please do not use classdojo to reort an absence as the office will not necessarily see it.
3. If we have not received notification of an absence by 9.30am, a phone call will be made home.
4. If we cannot make contact and no reason for the absence is provided, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
5. Where there has been no contact and the school has concerns about a child's welfare, further safeguarding procedures may be followed, which could include a home visit.

Monitoring and Support

Attendance is monitored regularly by school staff. Attendance data is reviewed by the Headteacher and designated staff member responsible for attendance. Particular attention is given to:

• Pupils whose attendance falls below 96%
• Pupils who have accumulated 10 or more sessions of unauthorised absence

Where concerns are identified, parents may be contacted so that we can discuss support and agree strategies to improve attendance.

We know there can sometimes be genuine reasons why attendance becomes difficult. If this happens, we will work with families in a supportive way to understand what is getting in the way and identify strategies to help improve attendance. Our aim is always to work in partnership with parents and carers to achieve the best outcomes for children.

Leave During Term Time

Term-time leave will not normally be authorised. Requests for leave during term time can only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must be made in writing to the Headteacher in advance.

All requests will be considered in line with current national and Somerset attendance guidance.

Working Together

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a child's success at school. Good attendance supports academic achievement, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships with peers and staff.

If you are experiencing difficulties that may affect your child's attendance, please speak to us. We are here to help and will work with you to ensure your child receives the support they need to attend school regularly and successfully.