What is good attendance? Why does it matter?

Your child's attendance is of vital importance to their learning. We take attendance seriously at St Thomas and work closely with families to ensure that children want to come to school, are settled, value learning and that attendance is good. 

Nationally, attendance is 96.1%. This is our minimum expectation.

Planned absence is not authorised other than in exceptional circumstances. This does not include holidays. Unauthorised absence will be referred to the local authority where consideration will be given to a penalty notice and potential fine for both parents for all children. See further details in our Attendance and Punctuality policy. 

Attendance Support Map.

We will always support children during each stage of our Attendance Support Map. If there is lack of engagement or concerns regarding the reason for absence, we will follow the Map to ensure we prioritise a child’s learning and right to education. Where a child’s attendance improves we will communicate to Parents/Carers.