Attendance and Punctuality

Regular and punctual attendance is vital to a child's success and their wellbeing. 

Seton Community Primary School is committed to providing an education of the highest quality for all its children, and recognises that this can only be achieved by supporting and promoting excellent attendance for all.  This is based on the belief that only by attending school regularly and punctually will children be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.  High attainment depends on good attendance. 

At Seton Community Primary School, we are determined to promote, encourage and achieve excellent attendance for all of our children. Excellent attendance underpins the school’s core commitment in fostering excellence in every child.  We expect all children to attend school every day and on time.  Following the significant disruption of the pandemic and the impact this had on children's learning, this is more important than ever.  

Children who attend school regularly flourish at Seton.  High levels of attendance not only serve to safeguard their academic progress, but also support children's social and emotional well-being.  Opportunities to develop and sustain friendships are nurtured, ensuring children are best prepared for secondary school and beyond.  Regular, punctual attendance establishes good habits that support children throughout their lives. 

Research by Universities UK indicates that children with poor attendance are 5 times less likely to achieve 5 strong passes at GCSE, preventing them from going on to Higher Education or into employment.  We also know that poor attendance at school can lead to poor emotional health and wellbeing.  Children and young people who miss school on a regular basis, can become socially isolated; they can lack confidence and have low self-esteem.  Children can feel like they don't fit in with their peers and this can lead to loneliness.  (source:  Knowsley Attendance Strategy 2021 - 2024)

Occasionally there will be times when children are simply too poorly to attend school, but minor illnesses/ailments such as coughs and colds are not usually a reason to keep a child at home.  Tiredness is not a reason to keep a child at home.  Please talk to a member of staff if you are unsure whether or not your child should be absent from school.  

Families might find the the following NHS information leaflet on common childhood illnesses helpful:   

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES and when to keep a child at home

At Seton Community Primary School, we  have adopted the 5 Foundations of Effective Attendance Practice Framework.  This highly effective system is modelled on the work of Professor Katherine Weare.  It is a proven strategy which has supported many schools nationally and internationally to improve levels of attendance.  Details of the approach can be found here:

For further information, please see our full Attendance Policy click here.

You can also find information regarding attendance and behaviour in the guidance leaflet produced by North Yorkshire County Council.   Please click here for a copy.

To download our absence letter please click here.

 CLICK HERE for our latest Attendance Newsletter