ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is essential at Blossomfield Infant and Nursery because it supports children’s learning, routines, and confidence. In the early years, regular attendance helps pupils build stability in class and develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. When children are present and ready to learn, they can fully engage with classroom activities and benefit from the daily teaching that underpins their progress.
Consistent attendance also strengthens early years foundational knowledge. Our curriculum is designed to develop communication, early literacy, early numeracy, and personal skills through practical, play-based learning. Each day contributes to children’s understanding, and missing sessions can make it harder to keep pace with new concepts, especially as children build on what they have learned week by week.
If your child is unwell or unable to attend, please inform the school as soon as possible and follow our attendance procedures. We will work with you to support your child’s return and help them catch up where needed. By working together, we can maintain a positive learning environment and ensure every child at Blossomfield Infant and Nursery has the best opportunity to succeed.
Our Attendance Baseline Improvement Expectation, which is set by the DfE is 96.8%, which we have rounded up to 97%. Last year we managed to achieve 96.4% and so with a little support from our parents we believe that this is achievable. Weekly attendance for each class is monitored and celebrated in celebration assembly each week. Attendance analysis is carried out weekly and if your child's attendance is causing concern we will contact you and offer support to enable improvement.
PUNCTUATLITY
Schools are legally required to take a register of pupil at the beginning of the school day and in the afternoon.
If a pupil is late but the register is still open they are marked as late. If the register is closed when a pupil arrives late and without a satisfactory explanation, it will be classed as late after register has closed, which will count as an absence.
Continual punctuality is important because missed learning minutes add up. For example if a child arrives 15 minutes late each school day, they lose almost 2 weeks of education a year. Absence due to lateness will be referred to the Central Schools Attendance & Welfare Service (CSAWS) who Blossomfield have commissioned to support attendance.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME
No term time leave for holidays is authorised.
Parents who choose to take their child out of school without written permission from the school may be issued with a fixed penalty fine.
Only in exceptional circumstances may a headteacher grant permission for leave of absence.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD TO ATTEND SCHOOL REGULARLY?
- Talk to your child about school
- Take a positive interest in your child's learning and school day by reading weekly year group newsletters and accessing information about termly learning on the curriculum page on the website
- Talk to school staff who greet and dismiss your child each day
- Attend parents' evenings, family workshops and other school events
- Contact school on the first day of absence if your child is unable to attend for whatever reason. If you are not sure whether your child should attend, we can offer support and advice and if needed signpost you to other support services
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL ATTENDANCE?
The first step is to contact school to discuss your concerns. We will offer a listening ear and support you and your family.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING MY CHILD'S SCHOOL ATTENDANCE?
As a parent/carer it is your responsibility to ensure that any child of statutory school age attends school both regularly and on time. The Local Authority has a duty of make sure that all parents/cares fulfil this responsibility.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MY CHILD DOES NOT ATTEND SCHOOL REGULARLY?
Parents whose children are on a school register and fail to ensure the regular and punctual attendance of their child(ren), may be guilty of and offence under Section 444(1A) of the Education Act 1996 and the Local Authority may issue a Penalty Notice or take enforcement action through the Courts to secure regular attendance.
SOLIHULL METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL - ADVICE ON SENDING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL