Attendance & Absence

Attendance

Regular attendance is a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping academic success, personal growth, and prospects. Here at Frogmore Juniors, we are committed to transforming educational achievement and providing pupils with the best start in life academically and as citizens.

We promote the importance of pupils attending school on every day possible and recognise that daily attendance is crucial to success. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders across our school community – parents/carers, staff, governors, and pupils – to work together to ensure that every pupil and their family has the support and strategies required to attend school daily.

Punctuality

Pupils are expected to arrive at school for 8.40am to be in class ready to learn from 8.45am when morning registers are then taken. Gates will be closed promptly at 8.45am. 

Please note that if a pupil arrives after 8.45am, they must sign-in via reception. Pupils arriving after 8.45am will be marked as late. If a pupil arrives at 9.15am or later, after the close of all registers, the sign-in code will constitute as an absence and negatively impact a pupil’s attendance record.

Arriving at school late is disruptive to a pupil’s daily routine and means that they miss a considerable amount of valuable learning time. 

Absence

Reducing absence and improving punctuality in schools is a key priority both nationally and locally.  Missing school damages a pupil's attainment levels, disrupts school routines and the learning of others, and can (over time) leave a pupil vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and youth crime.  Above all, missing school seriously affects children's longer-term life opportunities.

In line with all other schools in Hampshire, we have an Attendance Policy.  Our policy can be viewed below. Our academic year dates can be viewed in the tab opposite.

Schools in Hampshire will henceforth be required to issue Penalty Notices to all those with parental responsibility if a child has 10 or more half-day sessions of unauthorized absence in any 10 school week period.  A penalty notice will also be issued if a child is absent during public exams such as SATs. 

Except in exceptional circumstances, headteachers are not able to authorise family holidays during term time, even when an application form is submitted in advance.  If a pupil is taken out of school for a holiday, therefore, each responsible parent/carer will be issued with a Penalty Notice.  A maximum of two fines can be issued per parent per child in any school year.

For further information, please speak to the school office.  Written guidance can be read in the leaflet below, or by visiting:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/behaviour-attendance-parents

Safeguarding children

Home visits are conducted as a standard protocol to families to follow-up on pupil absences and provide support to pupils and parents/carers where appropriate. The school has a duty to safeguard the welfare of all students. Any concerns about a child’s attendance will be investigated promptly to ensure support for their wellbeing. If there are unexplained/prolonged periods of absence or an identified safeguarding concern, this may require school to contact external agencies.

The school's absence request form can be downloaded below.

All absences must be explained in writing (or by email).  Even if you have telephoned to excuse your child from school because of illness, please write a note for them to bring in on their return.

Information on Penalty Notices for non-attendance at school, advice for parents and carers please see below.