Attendance

At Plasnewydd Primary School, we want the very best for every child in our care. Raising attendance is a key priority in our School Improvement Plan and is central to ensuring all pupils thrive.

Good Attendance

We expect all pupils to maintain attendance of at least 95%. This is the minimum level required to make the most of learning opportunities.

Our school is open for 190 days each year, leaving 175 days for holidays, rest, and non-urgent appointments. Please plan family time and routine appointments outside of school days wherever possible.

Why Regular Attendance Matters

Research shows that regular attendance has a significant impact on a child’s progress and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Keeping up with classwork and learning
• Meeting expected progress targets
• Developing strong personal and social skills
• Building lifelong habits such as punctuality and time management

Good attendance benefits not only pupils, but also staff, families, and the wider community.

Lateness

Being late to school reduces valuable learning time. If a pupil arrives after registration has closed, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

Minutes late per day → Equivalent learning lost per year:

• 5 minutes → 3.4 school days
• 10 minutes → 6.9 school days
• 15 minutes → 10.3 school days
• 20 minutes → 13.8 school days
• 30 minutes → 20.7 school days

Authorised Absences

If your child is genuinely unwell and unable to attend, the school may authorise the absence once informed. Please notify us at the start of the school day following the school’s absence reporting process.

By law, only the Headteacher can authorise absences, and additional evidence (e.g. a GP letter) may be required.

Working Together

Improving attendance is a shared responsibility. By working together as a school community, we can ensure every child at Plasnewydd Primary School has the best chance to succeed. We greatly appreciate your support in helping us raise attendance levels.

Holiday / Leave of Absence Requests

Please think carefully before taking your child out of school during term time. If you require a holiday or leave of absence form, these are available from the school office. Holidays should be taken during the 13 weeks of school closure each year.