Attendance at St Joseph’s

At St Joseph’s, we believe that good attendance is essential for strong learning outcomes. Every day in school builds knowledge, confidence and a sense of belonging.

In line with the DfE 2024 statutory guidance: Working Together to Improve School Attendance, attendance is everyone’s responsibility.

Our whole-school Attendance Baseline Improvement Expectation (ABIE), set by the government is at least 94.6%. We aim for all pupils to achieve 96% or above wherever possible. Attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absence and places children at risk of falling behind.

Reporting Absence

Parents must inform the school before 9.00am on each day of absence.

If no reason is received:

• We will contact parents the same morning.

• If contact cannot be established, the absence is referred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

• Where necessary, further safeguarding action may be taken, including welfare checks or escalation to external agencies.

No unexplained absence goes unchecked.

Term-Time Leave & Penalty Notices

Holidays during term time will not be authorised unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. Requests must be submitted in advance using the absence request form.

In line with 2024 national regulations, a Penalty Notice may be issued by the Local Authority where a child has 10 or more sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period.

The fine is:

• £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days

• £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days

Further offences may result in prosecution.

Support and Partnership

Attendance is monitored daily and reviewed regularly.

We celebrate good attendance and act early where concerns arise. Our Attendance Officer, Natalie Black, works closely with families to secure improvement. Where additional support is needed, Julie Farrant, Family Support Worker, is available to help address wider barriers.

If you are experiencing difficulties that may affect attendance, please speak to us early. We are committed to working in partnership to ensure every child attends well and thrives.