Oldway Primary School
Attendance and Absence
At Oldway Primary School, we aim to ensure that all children receive an education that maximises opportunities for each pupil to reach their full potential. In order to achieve this, we work hard to provide a welcoming, caring learning environment where every member of the school community feels valued.
Every School Day Counts!
In order for our pupils to achieve their very best, it is of paramount importance that their attendance is good. Every lesson really does count for your child and catching up on lost time from school can be really difficult. Good attendance is linked to achievement, better relationships with other children and overall better behaviour. Often, the reason that children are absent from school is due to illness.
You can help to ensure that your child’s attendance is good by leading a healthy lifestyle: exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and maintaining a balanced diet. Missing any period of time of schooling has been proven to be detrimental, both academically and socially. We understand that sometimes absence cannot be avoided, but it is important that we share with you the following information in the table below.
Often, the reason that children are absent from school is due to illness. Please refer to this link for guidance from the NHS if you are unsure if you can send your child into school or not: NHS 'Is my child too ill for school' guidance
| Attendance | Impact on learning in the year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 100% attendance | 0 weeks of learning missed | Best chance of success – well done! |
| 95% attendance | 1 week, 4 days of learning missed | Poor attendance – we’re worried. |
| 90% attendance | 3 weeks, 4 days of learning missed | Classed by the government as a persistent absentee – your child will be falling behind their peers. |
| 85% attendance | 5 weeks, 3 days of learning missed – that is the equivalent of the January half-term | You may be asked to sign a parenting contract – your child will need intervention in school. |
| 80% attendance | At least 7 weeks, 3 days of learning missed | You may be referred to social care for neglect. Your child will be considerably behind their peers, and it will be difficult for them to catch up without significant input from school and home. |
Letting us know if your child will be absent
If your child is poorly, you must contact school by 8.45am or as soon as practically possible to inform the school office that your child will be absent from school and to give a reason for that absence. You must do this on each day of your child's absence.
You do this by ringing 01803 557190 and selecting Option 1 from the menu available, or by sending a text to 07775 680213. We then record this information and pass it on to teachers. We ask you to ring each day to keep us updated. A member of the administrative staff checks absences every day and follows up with a call where we have not been notified of a child's absence, in line with our safeguarding procedures.
If your child has received specialist care for a medical condition, please ask them for some guidance on supporting their return to school, particularly regarding playtimes and P.E.
We are required by law to record absences and share these figures with parents, Torbay LA and the DfE. An absence is considered to be unauthorised if we have not been informed by parents.
Punctuality
It’s important that the children arrive at school on time, ready and willing to learn. The gates open at 8.30am and all children are expected to be in their classrooms at 8:45am, with the gates being closed at this time. Any child who arrives after 8.45am needs to be signed in at the main school reception.
Any child arriving after the register has closed up to 9.05am, receives a 'late mark' in the register. Children arriving after 9.05am receive an 'unauthorised absence' mark in the register.
Being late for school reduces learning time and can be highly disruptive and harmful to a child’s self-esteem. Children are often embarrassed and/or upset at entering a busy classroom after everyone else. Through missing the initial morning instructions it means that the child is playing ‘catch-up’ for the rest of the morning.
If your child is 5 minutes late every day, they will miss 3 days of learning a year.
If they are 15 minutes late a day, they will miss 2 weeks of learning each year.
What can parents do to help attendance?
- If your child is unwell, phone and report this in to the office before 9am;
- If you suspect that your child is a reluctant attender or is unhappy at school, do not keep them at home. Contact the school as soon as possible so that any difficulties can be resolved;
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time and is prepared for the day ahead (e.g. that they have the correct school uniform, homework, swimming kit);
- Take an interest in your child’s education. Ask them about their day and praise and encourage their achievements at school (If the children can see that you value education, they will too);
- Attend any meetings that you are invited to regarding attendance;
- Make medical/dental appointments out of school hours or during the school holidays wherever possible.
What does Oldway do to support attendance?
At Oldway Primary School, we believe that every child should feel happy, safe, valued and that they truly belong. We know that children thrive when they feel connected to their school community, have positive relationships with the adults around them and feel supported in their learning.
As a Trauma Informed School, we recognise that every child and family has their own circumstances and that attending school regularly can sometimes present challenges. Our approach to attendance is built on positive relationships, understanding, encouragement and working together with families, rather than simply focusing on attendance figures.
Building Relationships and a Sense of Belonging
We want every child to feel welcomed into school each morning and to leave knowing that they are an important part of our Oldway family.
- A warm welcome every day - We have a member of staff positioned at each school gate every morning and afternoon. This provides a familiar, friendly face for children and an opportunity for parents and carers to have a quick chat, share concerns or ask for support.
- Strong relationships with families - We value open, honest communication and encourage parents and carers to speak with us if anything is affecting their child's attendance or wellbeing.
- Celebrating attendance and progress - We recognise and celebrate children's efforts through attendance certificates, celebratory breakfasts and reward charts. We understand that good attendance can look different for different children, and improvements and individual achievements are just as important to us.
Working Together to Overcome Barriers
We understand that there may be times when families need a little extra help. Our aim is always to work alongside parents and carers to understand any difficulties and find positive ways forward.
We support families by:
- Keeping in touch - We regularly monitor attendance and communicate with families so that we can identify concerns early and offer support where needed.
- Offering supportive conversations and meetings - Where attendance becomes a concern, we may invite parents and carers to meet with us. These conversations are an opportunity to listen, understand any barriers and explore how we can help.
- Providing individualised support - We recognise that there is no 'one size fits all' approach. We work with families to identify practical solutions and, where appropriate, involve other professionals or services who may be able to help.
- Checking in when children are absent - We follow up unexplained absences during the morning session to ensure children are safe and families feel supported.
- Keeping families informed - We share attendance information and letters where appropriate, helping parents and carers understand their child's attendance and the importance of regular school attendance.
Helping Families with the School Day
We appreciate that balancing family life, work and school routines can sometimes be challenging.
Our Breakfast Club and After School Club offer additional flexibility with drop-off and collection times, subject to availability, helping families manage their daily commitments.
Every Day Matters, Every Child Belongs
Regular attendance gives children so much more than time in the classroom. It provides opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence, feel part of a community and enjoy the many experiences that school life has to offer.
At Oldway, attendance is about more than being present - it's about feeling connected, supported and ready to thrive.
We want families to know that if attending school is becoming difficult, they can talk to us. We are here to listen, understand and work together to help every child feel that they belong.
Holidays in term-time
In order to ensure that the pupils at Oldway Primary School receive an education that maximises opportunities for each pupil to reach their full potential, the Head of School will not authorise term time holidays.
Any exceptional circumstances should be put in writing by completion of this form: Absence Request Form Please read the document 'Avoidable Absence in Term-Time' below before completing the form.
Unauthorised leave can result in parents being fined £80 per parent per child (please see further information in the letter below from Torbay Local Authority). The Local Authority may take parents to court where parents take their child out of school without authorisation.
Torbay Local Authority 2026-27 Warning Letter Updated June 2026
Other guidance and relevant policies: