Attendance

Attendance

Although Highfields Primary Academy is part of Primitas Learning Partnership Trust, we also work closely with Staffordshire Local Authority.  As such, the school follows the local authority’s guidance on attendance. We believe that children should attend school regularly and arrive on time. Good attendance is crucial to effective learning and the continuity of the learning experience.  Regular attendance means the pupils can make the most of their education, improving their chances in adult life. It will help their social skills, such as making and keeping friendships. A regular and punctual attendance pattern will also help when they enter the world of work.
Children in England and Wales are required by law to attend school for just 190 days out of 365 each year. These days are organised into six periods or three terms, which leaves families with 13 weeks of designated holiday and an additional 5 days when school is closed for staff to undertake training days.
Please click on the link below to access the local authority’s information about attendance:

Our School Day

Our gates open at 8.4oam for EYFS and 845am for Key Stages 1 and 2. Children in EYFS are expected to be in the classroom by 8.50am when their school day begins.  Children in Key Stages 1 and 2 are expected to be in the classroom by 8.55am when their school day begins. The end of our school day is 3.20pm for EYFS and 3.25pm for Key Stages 1 and 2. We are here to help so if you are struggling with attendance please contact the school office or speak to Mr Wilkes and/or Mrs Greatrex who are on the main gate every morning before school. Class teachers are available each evening after school on their respective gates.

How Can You Support School?

  • Contact school if your child is unable to attend for whatever reason.
  • Provide the school with appointment cards/letter for any medical appointments.
  • Routine appointment such as dentists and opticians should be made outside of school hours where possible.
  • Support school attendance by avoiding family holidays during term time.
  • Work positively with the school to address any attendance concerns that have been raised.

NHS – Is My Child Too Ill For School?

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they’re unwell.

There are government guidelines for schools about health protection and managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.  If you do keep your child at home, it’s important to phone the school to let us know that your child won’t be in and the reason why. If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.
Find out more here.