It is important that school and home work together to ensure that the children have access to the best education possible. Good attendance in school sets children up for academic and social achievement.
A research review by the Educational Endowment Foundation in 2022 found that poor attendance at school is linked to poor academic attainment across all stages (Balfanz & Byrnes, 2012; London et al., 2016) as well as anti-social characteristics, delinquent activity and negative behavioural outcomes (Gottfried, 2014; Baker, Sigmon, & Nugent, 2001). However, evidence suggests that small improvements in attendance can lead to meaningful impacts for these outcomes.
Good attendance is measured as being 95% or greater. As a guide:
Excellent attendance: above 97%
Represents fewer than 6 school day absences per year
Accounts for days missed due to illness, etc.
Good attendance: 95%
Represents 10 school days of absence per year, which equates to two weeks of missed school
Considered the minimum acceptable standard for attendance.
Poor attendance: less than 90%
Represents 19 school days or more missed, which equates to at least one month of missed school
Government classes children in this group as ‘persistent absentees’
As a school, we have a statutory responsibility to report poor attendance, or a term-time holiday, to the local authority. The local authority can impose a fine for poor school attendance; the fine is £80 per child (£160 if you do not pay within 21 days). Repeated failure to ensure school attendance can result in a court prosecution, a fine of up to £2,500, a community order and even a jail sentence of up to three months.
The STEP Academy Trust policy on attendance can be found below.
La Fontaine Academy is a kind, calm and considered centre of academic excellence. As a school, we have high expectations of every member of our community. Children are encouraged to self-regulate and are reminded of the correlation between self-regulation and success.
On occasion, children may need reminding that their conduct has strayed from these expectations. Reminders are always delivered in a calm and controlled manner and refer to La Fontaine’s values.
Acts of kindness and politeness are always praised; inappropriate conduct is always addressed.
At all times, children are expected to listen to adults (including those that are not their class teacher) and to show respect to all. The La Fontaine values should be evident at all times.
The STEP Academy Trust policy on behaviour can be found below.
| STEP Anti-Bullying Policy | |
| STEP Attendance Policy | |
| STEP Behaviour Policy - La Fontaine Academy |