Attendance Matters - a letter from Mrs Summerfield

Dear Parent/Carer,

I wanted to take the opportunity to send a reminder about our attendance expectations and our policies and procedures in relation to our pupils’ school attendance.

At Harehills Primary School we encourage all our pupils to strive for 100% attendance: Everyday Counts! We have a duty to meet or exceed the national primary attendance target of 96.0%. Many of our children will achieve far higher than this individually. However, we are currently only achieving 91.9% overall, which is well below our set target. 

Attendance at Harehills School is important and research shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve their full potential. This can have a damaging effect on their life chances.

Our aim is to work with parents to ensure that all our pupils receive the most from their education and reach their full potential. This letter is to remind all parents/carers regarding the law that requires them to ensure that their child attends school every day and on time. All schools must follow Department for Education guidance regarding attendance, and it clearly states that no child should miss school unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. Dental and medical appointments should be made outside of school hours where possible.

Absences will only be authorised if they are caused by genuine illness or by exceptional circumstances. In some cases of prolonged illness, school will ask parents/ carers to produce a doctor’s note, especially for extended or regular absence. From January 2023 the Attendance Team will make unannounced home visits for children that are absent from school.

School opens its doors at 8.45am for Nursery, Y4, Y5 and Y6, and they are closed at 8.55am. For Reception, Y1, Y2 and Y3 the doors open at 8:50am and close at 9am. Learning starts promptly once the register has been taken. Any child arriving at school after 8.55am will be recorded on the register as late (L). Classroom doors are locked at 9am. Children who arrive after that time must enter school through the main office, where they will be entered into the late book.

I hope we can count on your support in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Attendance Team if you have any questions. (Mr Ali and Mrs Haywood in the office, Mrs Drysdale EY’s, Mrs Thompson Y1/2, Mrs Sommers Y3/4 or Mrs Hussain Y5/6)

Yours sincerely,

Mrs J. Summerfield
Headteacher