Rosary Catholic Primary School

Attendance and Punctuality

It’s cool to be at school!

At Rosary Catholic Primary School, we know for a fact that attending school regularly and on time has a hugely positive impact on learning, progress, and overall well-being. Excellent attendance and punctuality are key to our children’s success now and in the future.

In line with Government and Local Authority guidelines, our attendance target is 96% and above. It is the responsibility of everyone in our school community—parents, children, staff, and governors—to help achieve this. We constantly monitor attendance and punctuality to build a welcoming, supportive environment where every child feels valued.

Why is attendance so important?

It’s simple: if children are not in school, they miss out on vital learning, routine, and social development. Every moment at school counts! Missing school means children have to spend time catching up on crucial teaching, not to mention missing out on time with their friends. High attendance directly correlates with better achievement and well-being.

Why is punctuality important?

There are so many reasons why being on time matters:

• It gets the day off to a good start and puts children in a positive frame of mind for learning.

• It builds positive habits for the future.

• Children don't miss key morning instruction or vital announcements.

• Arriving late can be disruptive for the rest of the class and uncomfortable for the child.

Celebrating Success & Making Learning "Irresistible"

Because we value attendance and punctuality so highly, we love celebrating it!

• Weekly Newsletters & Shout-Outs: We publicly celebrate top classes and individuals with our weekly 100% attendance "Rosary Shout-Outs" and highlight updates in our weekly newsletter.

• Class Rewards & Incentives: Classes earn special treats, hold friendly competitions, and aim to win the "Attendance Axolotl" or the "Punctuality Penguin" awards!

• Termly & End-of-Year Awards: Certificates and special treats are awarded at the end of each term and school year to celebrate high and improving attendance.

Routines and Expectations

• Morning Soft Start: Vehicle Gates open at 8:45 AM for a soft start, welcoming children early so they can settle in.

• Official Start & Registers: Chidlren must be in class by 9:00 AM prompt, and registers are taken immediately.

• Lateness: Morning registers close promptly. If children arrive after 9:00 AM, they must report directly to the school office so we know they are safely on site. Arrivals after 9:30 AM are marked as an unauthorised late absence under statutory guidelines.

• End of Day: School finishes at 3:30 PM. Please ensure your child is picked up on time every day.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unwell or unable to come to school:

1. Contact Us Early: Please call or email the school office by 8:00 AM on the first day of absence with an explanation and an expected return date.

2. Keep in Touch: Please update us at least every second day regarding your child's progress.

3. Absence Follow-Up: Attendance is a key part of safeguarding. If we do not hear from you on the first day, school will contact you via phone or email to ensure your child is safe.

How Parents Can Help & Track Progress

• Parent Hub App: You can easily monitor your child's live attendance percentage and see how missed days add up via the Parent Hub app (instructions are provided in our weekly newsletter).

• Medical Appointments: Please schedule medical and dental appointments outside of school hours or during school holidays wherever possible.

• Term-Time Holidays: Exceptional leave during term time is strongly discouraged. The Department for Education does not consider holidays or leisure trips an exceptional circumstance. Any request for leave must be submitted in advance using an Exceptional Leave Request Form available from the office, and can only be approved by the Headteacher. Unauthorised absences may result in statutory Penalty Notices.

Working Together & Seeking Support

We adopt a restorative, supportive approach to attendance. If your family is experiencing difficulties or barriers getting your child to school on time, please let us know as early as possible so we can help. We work closely with internal support services (such as our Mental Health Support Team and School Counsellors) as well as local partners (including Camden Early Help and ACOS) to support our families.

Key Contacts for Attendance:

• Headteacher: Sophie Kennedy

• Attendance Officer: Geraldine Kelly (Admin Officer) – 020 7794 6292 | admin@rosary.camden.sch.uk

• Governor for Attendance: Anne Blayney

Please see our full Attendance and Punctuality Policy attached below or contact the school office for further details.