Skip to content ↓

Attendance and Punctuality

At Swalwell Primary School, we want every child to get the very best from their education—and that starts with being in school every day and on time.

We work hard to create a welcoming and caring environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn. Our staff are here to support families and help make regular attendance and punctuality a positive part of school life.

We celebrate good attendance with fun rewards and incentives, and we’re always ready to help if you’re facing challenges that make getting to school difficult. If attendance becomes a concern, we’ll work together to find solutions that support your child’s learning and wellbeing.

Every day counts—and every minute matters. Thank you for helping us give your child the best possible start.

🎉 Fun & Motivating Incentives for Pupils

1. Weekly Class Attendance Trophy

  • Awarded to the class with the highest attendance each week.
  • Displayed proudly in the classroom or school hall.

2. Attendance Certificates

  • Given out termly or half-termly for 100% attendance or significant improvement.
  • Can be presented in assembly to celebrate publicly.

3. Golden Time or Extra Play

  • Classes with excellent attendance or punctuality earn extra playtime or a fun activity session.

4. Attendance Champions Display

  • A wall or board showcasing pupils with excellent attendance.
  • Include photos, names, or stars to make it visual and celebratory.

5. Termly Treats or Trips

  • Pupils with 100% attendance over a term could be invited to a special event—e.g., movie afternoon, picnic, or mini disco.

6. Class Attendance Charts

  • Visual trackers in classrooms showing daily attendance.
  • Helps build team spirit and encourages collective responsibility.

Average attendance is considered to be around 97% by the government. 

What is expected of pupils?

  • To respect themselves and others
  • To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually
  • To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied
  • To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging
  • To be happy and encourage others to feel happy

What is expected of Parents/ Carers?

  • To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
  • To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence
  • To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
  • To work closely with the school to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance
  • To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in exceptional circumstances.
  • To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as SATS
  • To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements

Top Tips for Supporting Good Attendance

  1. Establish a Morning Routine
    Set a consistent wake-up time and morning schedule to help your child feel calm and prepared for the day ahead.

  2. Prepare the Night Before
    Lay out clothes, pack bags, and check homework the evening before to reduce stress in the morning.

  3. Aim for Early Bedtimes
    A good night’s sleep helps children wake up refreshed and ready to learn.

  4. Schedule Appointments Outside School Hours
    Try to book medical or dental appointments after school or during holidays whenever possible.

  5. Keep School Informed
    If your child is unwell or has a valid reason for absence, contact the school as early as possible.

  6. Celebrate Good Attendance
    Praise your child for regular attendance and talk positively about school.

  7. Avoid Term-Time Holidays
    Time off during term can disrupt learning and friendships—please plan holidays during school breaks.

  8. Talk About School
    Encourage your child to share what they’ve learned or enjoyed. This builds a positive attitude toward school.

  9. Ask for Help if Needed
    If you're facing challenges that affect attendance, speak to your child’s teacher or the school office—we’re here to help.

Absence for Holidays during Term Time

Research shows that missing school impacts on a child’s attainment levels and seriously affects his/her longer term life opportunities. The link between attendance and achievement is strong, and high levels of attendance at school should be a right for each child. A child who has 10 days holiday each year of his/her school life (and who has the normal amount of illness) will miss a full year of their education by the time they leave school.

From 1st September 2013, the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 change the previous rules about term-time holidays.

The 2013 regulations remove the provision for head teachers to grant up to 10 days absence in any school year for the purposes of a family holiday where there were special circumstances. Instead, the amendments specify that head teachers may not now grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.

In practice this means that we will no longer be authorizing any family holidays in term time. If parents/ carers choose to take their child out of school then the absence will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’. This can lead to the involvement of the Local Authority and the possible issue of a ‘fixed penalty notice’ amounting to £60 per child per parent/carer which increases to £120 if not paid within the first 21 days. The Penalty Notice must be paid before 28 days. These have been introduced as part of the government’s drive to improve attendance.

Clearly, there are many situations which may constitute ‘exceptional circumstances’ and these will be considered on a case by case basis. Your support and understanding of these arrangements that we are obliged to follow is appreciated.

Please click the following link to download Swalwell Primary School’s Attendance Policy

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the Attendance Policy or your child’s attendance, please call school on 0191 433 4000.

Who Is Responsible for Attendance and Punctuality?

At Swalwell Primary School, we work in partnership with families to support good attendance—but ultimately, parents and carers are legally responsible for making sure their child attends school regularly and on time.

More Information

Please click on the link below to download a copy of school attendance leaflets;

Cookie Policy