Attendance and Punctuality

At Salford Priors Church of England Academy, we place great importance on excellent attendance and punctuality. Every day in school matters. Missing education has a significant impact on a child’s progress and overall success, both academically and socially.

Our aim is for every pupil to receive a full-time education so they can make the most of every opportunity and achieve their full potential. Staff work closely with pupils and families to encourage regular attendance and punctuality, offering advice and support if difficulties arise.

Authorised and Unauthorised Absence

Each half-day absence must be classified by the Academy (not by parents) as either:

• Authorised absence – e.g. illness, medical appointment, or another unavoidable reason.

• Unauthorised absence – where the reason is not considered valid, such as:

  • Keeping children off for shopping trips or birthdays

  • Truancy during the school day

  • Absences not properly explained

  • Arriving too late to register

If your child is reluctant to attend, please contact us. Working together, we can resolve issues—covering up absences or excusing children unnecessarily can worsen the problem.

Punctuality

Being on time is vital to a child’s education. Persistent lateness:

• Disrupts learning and class routines

• Affects a child’s confidence and self-esteem

• Impacts both staff and other pupils

• School starts at 8:40am. Gates close at 8:55am. Children arriving after this time must enter through the school office.

The impact of lateness:

• 5 minutes late each day = 3 days of learning lost per year

• 15 minutes late each day = 2 weeks of learning lost per year

• 30 minutes late each day = 19 days of learning lost per year

Persistent lateness may result in a penalty notice and fine.

Illness and Medical Appointments

• If your child is unwell, please phone the Academy by 9:00am on the first day of absence.

• Routine appointments (e.g. dentist, doctor) should be arranged outside school hours where possible.

• Children should only return when they are well enough and free from infection.

Academy Closure

In the event of school closure, updates will be provided via:

• Bromcom and ClassDojo (text/email)

• The Academy website

• Local radio stations

• Warwickshire County Council school closures

Term-Time Holidays

Government guidance states that holidays during term time are not permitted except in exceptional circumstances.

• Unauthorised holidays will be recorded as such and may result in fines or prosecution.

• Leave of absence requests must be made in advance and will only be granted at the Headteacher’s discretion.

• Absence for leisure or recreation is not considered exceptional.

Legal Guidance on Leave of Absence

Following the Supreme Court ruling (Platt v Isle of Wight, 2017), ‘regular attendance’ means attending school every day it is open, unless absence is authorised.

• Leave of absence can only be granted where exceptional circumstances apply.

• Applications must be made by the resident parent (the parent with whom the child normally lives).

• Absence taken without permission will be recorded as unauthorised and referred to the Warwickshire Attendance Service.

Penalty Notices (from September 2024)

• First offence: £160 per parent per child (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days).

• Second offence (within 3 years): £160 per parent per child, no reduction.

• Third offence (within 3 years): No penalty notice issued – matter referred directly for prosecution under the Education Act 1996.

Penalty Notices are issued individually (e.g. 2 children with 2 parents = 4 separate fines).

Working Together

Your child’s progress—academically, socially, and emotionally—is our shared priority. By working together to maintain excellent attendance and punctuality, we give every pupil the best chance to thrive.

Read our full Attendance Policy here.