Attendance and Punctuality

At Pembrey School we recognise that regular attendance is closely linked to wellbeing, belonging and positive relationships. We are committed to working in partnership with families to identify and overcome any barriers to attendance so that every child can thrive and make the most of their educational opportunities.

We expect all children to attend school regularly and arrive on time each day. Every school day counts and even a short absence can have an impact on learning.

A day here or there may not seem significant, but absences quickly add up. Missing just two days each month can amount to around four weeks of lost learning over the course of a school year. Over time, this can have a significant impact on a child's progress and achievement.

Every day missed makes it harder to catch up with new learning and can affect progress in reading, writing and numeracy.

Regular attendance also helps children develop confidence, build friendships and feel connected to their school community.

Why is attendance important?

Regular attendance helps children to:

• Develop as ambitious, capable learners who are ready to learn throughout their lives.
• Become enterprising, creative contributors who are ready to play a full part in life and work.
• Mature as ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the wider world.
• Become healthy, confident individuals who are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

Excellent attendance gives children the very best opportunity to achieve their potential.

When should children attend school?

We encourage all children to attend school every day unless there is a genuine reason for absence, such as:

• Illness;
• An unavoidable medical or dental appointment;
• Religious observance;
• Other authorised exceptional circumstances.

Parents/carers are required to contact the school on the first day of any absence and keep us informed if the absence continues.

Where attendance becomes a concern, the school has a duty to consider any barriers affecting a child's education, wellbeing and safety and may seek additional support where appropriate.

Punctuality

Arriving at school on time is just as important as attending regularly. Being late can cause children to miss important teaching, routines and social opportunities at the start of the day.

To support families, we operate a free Breakfast Club from 8.00am.

If you are experiencing difficulties getting your child to school on time, please contact us. We are always happy to discuss how we can help.

Working Together

Details of school holidays, activities and training days are shared with parents at the start of each academic year.

Where attendance concerns continue despite support offered by the school, we may work with the Local Authority School Safeguarding and Attendance Team to provide additional support for families.

Please read our attendance policy for more detailed information: 

HOLIDAY REQUESTS

Holiday Requests

We kindly ask parents/carers, wherever possible, to arrange family holidays during school holiday periods rather than during term time.

If you believe there are exceptional circumstances that require your child to be absent during term time, please email or telephone to arrange a discussion with Mrs Anna Davies, Headteacher.

Telephone: 01554 832207

Email: admin@pembrey.ysgolccc.cymru

All requests for leave during term time must be submitted in writing via email to the address above. Parents/carers should wait for a written response before making any arrangements.

How are requests considered?

When considering a request, the Headteacher may take into account:

• The age of the child;
• The time of year of the proposed absence;
• The length and purpose of the absence;
• The impact on continuity of learning;
• The child's attendance record;
• The child's progress;
• Relevant Welsh Government and Local Authority guidance.

The Headteacher will also consider:

• The family's circumstances;
• The views and wishes of parents/carers;
• The purpose of the requested leave.

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Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Each request is considered individually and the Headteacher may take into account any other relevant factors when exercising their discretion.

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If leave is authorised, the absence will be recorded appropriately. However, any absence from school will affect your child's overall attendance percentage, as only attendance at school results in a present mark being recorded.

Miss School, Miss Out

Good attendance gives our pupils the best chance of success, both academically and socially. Every day really does count.