Attendance
Why Excellent Attendance Matters
At Heacham Junior School, we believe that every day in school counts. Good attendance is closely linked to pupils’ wellbeing, progress and long-term success. Missing even a few days of learning can make it harder for children to keep up with their classmates and feel confident in school life.
We aim for all pupils to achieve at least 97% attendance each year.
We understand that sometimes attendance can be affected by challenges at home. Please speak with us if you need support. Our pastoral and safeguarding team can help with:
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Morning routines
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Health concerns
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Anxiety about school
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Family circumstances
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Access to additional services
We are here to work with you and give you a support first approach.
Absence and Attendance
Celebrating Attendance
We recognise and celebrate excellent attendance through:
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Weekly class attendance awards – attendance rewards where children get extra play time for the class with the best attendance
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Termly recognition for excellent attendance
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Pupils should attend school every day unless they are genuinely unwell.
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Pupils should arrive on time, ready for learning.
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Parents and carers must contact the school before 9.00am if their child is absent.
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Being on time ensures a calm and settled start to the day.
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Registers open at 8:45am and close at 9.00am.
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Arrival after 9.00am will be marked as late.
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Arrival after 9.15am may be recorded as an unauthorised absence for the morning session.
It is vital that you let us know the reasons for your child’s absence on the first morning they are away from school if they are unable to attend due to a medical appointment, illness or other unavoidable reason. If we don't hear from you, we could make a home visit.
When your child returns following an illness, please supply a note. We will endeavour to contact you on your child’s first day of absence if we have not heard from you.
School starts at 8.45 am and registration is completed by 9.00 am. Class registers remain open for 15 minutes and children arriving after this time will be recorded as ‘late’ (unauthorised). Should your child require medical treatment during the school day, please let the class teacher know in advance. Wherever possible please arrange such appointments out of school time. Please contact the Headteacher in advance should your child need to be absent from school for any other reason.
Holidays:
Holidays during term time are not authorised, except in exceptional circumstances.
Any request for leave must be made in writing in advance.
Unauthorised leave may result in a Penalty Notice issued by the Local Authority.
Leave of Absence During Term Time Form
Guidance for Parents:
Please click on the link below to view guidance