At Walton on the Hill Primary School, we believe that every minute matters and that school is unmissable for all of our pupils. Excellent attendance and punctuality are essential for children to make the most of their learning and reach their full potential. Our target for every child is 98% attendance or above — because being in school every day really does make a difference.

Why Attendance Matters

A good education gives children the best possible start in life. Regular attendance means that pupils benefit fully from everything our school has to offer — from high-quality teaching and learning to social development and enrichment opportunities. Research shows a clear link between regular attendance, punctuality and long-term achievement.

When children miss school, they miss vital learning and this can quickly build up.

Did you know…

• 98% attendance = child misses less than 4 days of school in a year.
• 95% attendance = child misses 10 days of learning each year.
• 90% attendance = child misses almost 4 weeks of school each year.
• 80% attendance = your child misses a full year of education over their primary schooling.

Even a few days of absence can make it harder for children to keep up and feel confident in their learning. Absent children also miss out on building social connections and friendships.

Working Together for Success

We see good attendance as a partnership between home and school. Parents and carers play a vital role in ensuring that children arrive at school on time, every day, ready to learn. As a school, we are committed to working closely with families to identify and address any issues that might affect attendance.

If your child is ever unwell or unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible. We can offer support and guidance if there are ongoing difficulties that prevent regular attendance.