The Federation North and South Cowton Community and Melsonby Methodist Primary Schools

Together Stronger

Attendance

Attendance

Regular attendance at school promotes pupils’ wellbeing and gives them the best chance of learning and reaching their potential.

Pupils should attend school every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable.

Good attendance is important because pupils:

  • make more progress academically and socially;
  • cope better with school routines, work and friendships;
  • find learning easier because they do not miss out;
  • feel more confident;
  • are more successful moving between primary school, secondary school, higher education and employment or training;
    are known to be safe and well by us.

punctuality

Research shows a direct link between high attendance and educational outcomes

  • Pupils who did not achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage Two in 2019 had an overall attendance of 95.3% over the key stage. This is compared with 96.5% among pupils who achieved the expected standard and 97.3% among those who achieved the higher standard.
  • 84% of pupils with 100% attendance in KS2 achieved the expected standard compared to 40.2% of pupils who were persistently absent!

These trends are similar to those seen in previous years. We encourage 100% attendance and punctuality for all pupils, and have a minimum expectation of 97%.

What You Need To Know

Absence & Illness

Our school community enjoys excellent attendance, but if your child is ill, it is best to give them time off to regain full health.  Please contact the school office in order to report your child's absence at your earliest convenience. 

First Call

As a Federation, we employ a 'first call' protocol whereby any child not marked present during the registration period, a member of our admin team will make contact with parents to establish the reasons why a child is ill. 

Illness In School

If your child is ill during school time, whenever possible parents will be contacted so the child can be taken home, as school is not the best place for an unwell child.

If you have concerns regarding attendance, we are all happy to help. Please talk to the office staff, Mrs Robinson or Mr Mottram (Executive Headteachers) or your child’s teacher.

Attendance Policy

Our school has a robust and comprehensive attendance policy. 

Attendance Policy (September 2024)

attendance-matters

For further information - Truancy | North Yorkshire County Council

Leave of Absence

What is the procedure for applying for leave during term time?

The procedure for applying for leave of absence during term time can be found below.  An application should be made to the Executive Headteacher of the school at the earliest opportunity and ideally at least 6 weeks prior to the requested date of leave. 

Confirmation will be provided by the Executive Headteacher if this request has been authorised or not. 

It is vital that parents and carers do not book any travel until confirmation has been providedNb.  We do recognise that not all requests can be made 6 weeks in advance.

A leave of absence application form will need to be completed (see below).   A paper copy can be obtained from either School Office if preferred.