Attendance

“From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child"

Millbrook recognises that good attendance is central to raising standards and pupil attainment. Our school ethos is to enable children:-

To feel good about themselves, raise their self-esteem and give them the confidence to be the best that they can be.
To work together making learning enjoyable and fulfilling for everyone
To fulfil their ambitions, dreams and goals and recognise everyone’s achievements.
To unlock their talent and for every member of our community to achieve excellence and fulfil their potential in every way possible.

Not being in school greatly disadvantages a child as :-

They miss vital learning.
They are unsettled and confused about tasks when they come back into school.
Their teacher cannot always re-explain work and so they will find the work harder to do.
They miss socialising with their friends.
Missing days off school means they cannot achieve their potential.

As a school we will encourage parents/carers to ensure that their child achieves maximum possible attendance and that any problems that prevent this, are identified and acted on promptly.

We understand that children can become unwell. If this becomes a persistent issue we may ask for medical evidence to be provided.

We are required to monitor children’s punctuality and attendance according to the Education Act. Pupils from Reception to Year 6 are expected to be in on time, school gates open at 8.30am and lessons start at 8.45am.

Please notify the school if your child is going to be late or is unable to attend before the school day starts by calling the attendance line on 01793 872800 option 1.

The Education Act says that parents do not have the right to take their children out of school during term time and that no absence will be granted during term time, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. Even in exceptional circumstances the minimum time should be requested. Holidays, leaving before the end of term/returning after term has started is not an exceptional circumstance, nor is travelling to another country for family medical treatment. All requests must be made before the start of the absence. Any requests received after the absence has taken place will be UNAUTHORISED.

Please see the letter below outlining the national changes to attendance from August 2024.