Going to school regularly is important for every child's future. Parents are responsible for making sure that their children receive a full time education.

At St Thomas Cantilupe we set high expectations about attendance from nursery to Year 6. If your child has a place in our nursery or school we expect them to attend. It is every child's right to attend.

Our approach to attendance is evidence informed and child centered. We have created a welcoming environment to allow all children to gain a sense of belonging and ultimately achieve academically through regular school attendance. All staff have been trained in our aporoach and understand their roles in improving attendance. At STC we use our whole curriculum to enable every child to feel valued and to shine. It is within this context that we strive to ensure each child's attendance is good.

We record details of every child's attendance and absence from school. We do this at the start of each morning and afternoon session. If your child is absent please inform the school on 01432 268400 or email admin@st-thomascantilupe.hereford.sch.uk. The Local Auhtority receives this attendance information for each child and the Department for Education received attendance data for each school.

NHS guidance: Is my child too ill for school? 

Your responsibilities as a parent:

By law, all children of compulosry school age must receive a suitable full time education. For most parents this means registering their child at a school. Once your child is registered at our school you are legally responsbile for making sure that they attend on a regular basis. If your child does not attend shool on a regular basis we will talk with you about this and make a plan to improve it.  You could also be subject to a fine or to be prosecuted in court. 

If your child is absent please let us know on the first day of absence on 01432268400 or admin@st-thomascantlupe.hereford.sch.uk. We aim to listen, understand and empathise with attendance but always seek improvements. 

You can prevent your child missing school by:

• Recognising the vital importance of good attendance and punctuality
• Taking an interest in your child's education 
• Discussing any problems they may have at school and letting the school know
• Not letting children take time off for minor ailments, particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work
• Arranging appointments and outings after school hours, at weekends or holiday times
• Coming into school late if the alarm goes off or your child oversleeps. It is better to come into school late than not at all.

You should not expect St Thomas Cantilupe  Primary School to agree to your child going on holiday during term time.