Attendance & Punctuality
Every day at Ingrow Primary School counts.
We want our children at Ingrow Primary to enjoy coming to school. Research proves that there is a high correlation between school attendance and academic performance and success. Absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and achievement. Ensuring children attend school is crucial for the welfare of children and for safeguarding their wellbeing.
Good attendance
Good attendance means being at school at least 98% of the time, or around 186–190 days each year.
Why is it so important to attend every day?
Children who attend school every day benefit because:
- Each day’s learning builds upon that of the previous day, and lessons are sequenced as a learning journey.
- Reading the material and completing work independently does not compensate for direct interaction with the teacher.
- Classes use discussions, demonstrations, experiments and participation as key parts of daily learning activities, and these cannot be made up by those who are absent.
Are there other benefits to my child?
- Pupils with good attendance records generally achieve higher grades and enjoy school more.
- A good education gives your child the best possible start in life.
- Regular attendance supports the development of responsible behaviour, useful life skills and resilience.
What can parents do to help?
- Model the value of education, including the importance of regular attendance.
- Support your child by creating good routines at home. For example, ensuring they get 10–12 hours of sleep a night (NHS recommended) helps them wake ready for school and supports brain development.
- Make sure your child eats breakfast so they are alert and ready to learn. We also offer a breakfast club in school.
- Ensure your child goes to school regularly and arrives on time to help establish lifelong positive habits.
- If your child starts missing school, work with the school to put things right. Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of him/her missing school.
- If your child is ill or must miss school for some other reason, contact school immediately.
- Do not expect school to approve shopping trips, birthday treats or similar during school hours. Arrange family holidays so that your child will not miss any learning.
- Help your child to develop good night-time routines by checking their homework, reading, getting their school bag ready for the next day, reducing screen time before bed and ensuring they go to bed at a reasonable time.
- Arrange medical and dental appointments outside of school hours where possible.
Requesting Leave During Term Time – What You Need to Know
We understand that families may sometimes need to request time off during the school term. However, schools can only approve leave in exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher will consider your request and let you know the outcome.
All requests for term-time leave must be made online via Bradford Council.
Click here to apply for leave during term time
Unauthorised leave may result in a penalty notice. The fine is £80 per parent, per child (rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days).
If a parent receives two fines for the same child within three years, there is no discounted rate; the fine will be £160 per parent, per child.
If a child is taken out of school for 20 or more school days without permission, Bradford Council may consider prosecution which can carry a fine of up to £2,500 per child, per parent, a criminal record, and in rare cases a custodial sentence of up to 3 months.