At Buckshaw Primary School, we expect children to attend school every day, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so.

For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend school regularly. Every child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless they have an unavoidable reason to be absent. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning.

Our attendance target this year is 96%, but all pupils should strive to achieve 100% attendance if they can.

We feel that the most important way to promote good attendance is to ensure that both pupils and parents have a positive relationship with school.

Research shows that pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to do well in the future.  Regular attendance helps children to develop their confidence and to make and keep lasting friendships.

School will contact parents if they are in any doubt as to the whereabouts of a child.  Where contact cannot be made, the school will undertake a visit to the home address to carry out a welfare check.

Attendance is monitored regularly in school. The Headteacher, Business Manager and  Family Support Worker meet on a monthly basis to discuss pupil absences on an individual basis and agree what support can be offered to help the pupil remain in school.

We also work with families to identify any barriers to attendance and support this with the introduction of a parent contract.