Attendance

Attendance at a Glance

Target attendance: 97%+

Report absence before 9:00am
Medical appointments should be outside school hours where possible
Holidays during term time will not normally be authorised
Children should arrive ready to learn by 9:00am

Need Attendance Support?

We understand that some children and families may face barriers to regular attendance. If you would like support, please contact our Inclusion Team.

Call: 01332 347595

Email: admin@becket.derby.sch.uk

For information about how we support attendance and work with families, please visit our Attendance Support page within the Inclusion section.

Reporting an Absence

Please contact the school office on 01332 347595 before 9:00am on the first day of absence and provide a reason for your child's absence.

If we do not receive a reason for absence, we will contact you to ensure your child is safe and accounted for.

The School Day

Gates Open: 8:30am

Learning Begins: 9:00am

Late Arrival: Report to Reception

Absence Reporting: Contact school on the first day of absence

Why Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their full potential. Every day in school provides opportunities to learn, build friendships, develop confidence and prepare for future success.

Regular attendance helps children to:

Achieve their best academically
Keep up with learning and avoid knowledge gaps
Develop positive friendships and social skills
Build confidence, resilience and independence
Establish healthy routines and habits
Benefit from strong relationships with teachers and support staff
Access enrichment opportunities, clubs and wider school experiences

Every day counts. Missing school can have a significant impact on both learning and wellbeing, which is why we work closely with families to promote excellent attendance for all pupils.

Current School Attendance Figures

Since January 2026, we have been reporting absences to children in terms of 'Days Missed' per year group:

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child is ill?

Please contact the school office as soon as possible on the first day of absence and provide the reason for your child's absence. If we do not hear from you, we will contact you to ensure your child is safe and to establish the reason for their absence.

What should I do if they have an appointment?

Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside of school hours. If this is not possible, please inform the school in advance and provide evidence of the appointment where requested. Children should attend school before and after the appointment whenever possible

Can I request leave during term time?

The government expects children to attend school every day that school is open. Leave of absence for holidays is not normally authorised and may result in a Penalty Notice being issued. Absence during term time will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

What is considered good attendance?

At Becket Primary School, we encourage all pupils to attend school every day and aim for attendance of at least 97%. Every day in school matters and even occasional absences can have a significant impact on learning and friendships.

How many days can my child miss before attendance becomes a concern?

At Becket Primary School, we monitor attendance using "days missed" as well as percentages. Once a child has missed 5 days of school, we may contact parents to offer support and discuss any barriers to attendance. Early support helps prevent attendance difficulties from becoming a bigger concern.

What happens if my child's attendance becomes a concern?

We believe attendance is everyone's responsibility and will work closely with families to identify and overcome barriers. Initially, we may invite you to an informal meeting to discuss support. Additional support and intervention may be offered if attendance does not improve.

My child is anxious about attending school. Can you help?

Yes. We understand that some children face barriers to attendance, including anxiety, emotional wellbeing needs or other personal circumstances. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can work together to identify appropriate support and help your child feel safe, happy and successful in school.

What happens if my child arrives late?

Children should be in class and ready to learn by 9:00am. Pupils arriving after registration has begun will receive a late mark, and parents will be required to sign their pupils into school at the main office. Regular lateness can have a significant impact on learning and attendance records.

Who can I contact if I need attendance support?

Please contact the school office or speak to Mrs Guest - Attendance Champion, Mrs Walker - Pastoral Leader or Mrs Wardle - SENCo. We are committed to working in partnership with families to remove barriers and support every child to attend, belong and succeed.

Penalty Notice Information

A new National Framework for Penalty Notices has been introduced:

A national framework for Penalty Notices applies to unauthorised absences during term time.
- First notice: up to £160 per parent per child (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days)
- Second notice within a three-year period: £160
- Further offences may result in prosecution
The DfE does not consider family holidays or leisure activities during term time to be exceptional circumstances.

The DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance.