Attendance and punctuality

INTENT

Right Start, Bright Future’: Prioritising Attendance & Punctuality for Success

At Wellington Primary, a proud UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we are fully committed to ensuring that all our pupils attend school regularly and punctually in line with current UK legislation, including the Education Act 1996 and Children and Families Act 2014. We believe that good attendance is crucial to a child’s educational success, well-being, and personal development, particularly in a diverse community such as Hounslow.

Our intent is to provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment where all pupils understand the importance of being in school every day, and parents and carers are engaged partners in promoting excellent attendance. As a Rights Respecting School, we emphasise the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), particularly the right to education and personal development. Regular attendance aligns with Articles 28, 29, and 31 of the UNCRC, ensuring every child has the opportunity to access education, develop their abilities, and enjoy rest and play. (See Appendix 3 for details on these articles.)

Regular attendance is essential to maximize learning opportunities, support children in reaching their full potential, and foster positive relationships with peers and staff. We aim to foster a school culture that prioritises learning while also supporting the needs of families through effective communication and collaboration.

By adhering to statutory guidelines, we strive for a minimum attendance rate of 96%, with the ambition of reducing persistent absence and lateness across all year groups. Our proactive approach includes regular monitoring, early intervention, and targeted support for those facing challenges that may impact their attendance.

Through our attendance policy, we encourage students to recognise the value of education in preparing them for life beyond school and work, fostering responsibility, resilience, and independence. We are committed to working with Hounslow Local Authority, parents, and the wider community to ensure every child attends school regularly and has the opportunity to succeed.

Importance of Attendance and Punctuality

Good attendance and being on time are important for helping your child prepare for the world of work and building strong friendships.

We want your son or daughter to have the education and skills they need to lead a happy and fulfilling life. It’s expected that all students attend school every day.

Missing school can affect your child's learning. We believe that working together with parents and caregivers is the best way to help our students succeed. The school decides whether an absence is authorised (within the law) or unauthorised.

We keep a close eye on attendance and punctuality. If your child is often absent or late, we may reach out to discuss how we can work together to improve this. Sometimes, we might invite you in for a meeting to see how we can best support your child.

For more information, please CLICK HERE to view the DfE's Attendance Guide for Parents.