Attendance is everyone’s business
At Oyster Park Primary Academy, we know that consistent attendance builds the habits, relationships and sense of belonging that foster wellbeing and future success.
At Oyster Park attendance is not only addressed by monitoring absence but by designing presence and fostering a sense of belonging for our whole community.
Our Trust Values of Care, Aspire, Succeed are reflected through our relentless drive and commitment to promoting strong attendance. This means understanding the barriers to attendance for our pupils and families, working in partnership with our families and community and ensuring we implement the right support at the right time.
Why Punctuality Matters
At our school, we believe that every pupil deserves the full experience of the school day. Arriving on time ensures that all children begin their day together, sharing the same learning opportunities, routines, and experiences.
Punctuality helps pupils feel connected to the school community. It reinforces shared values, builds a sense of belonging, and supports the development of positive habits that last a lifetime. When children start the day calmly and on time, they are better prepared to learn, engage, and thrive.
We appreciate your support in helping every child make the most of their school day—starting with being here on time.
The school day starts at 8:45am, classroom doors open at 8:40am. External doors are locked promptly at 8.50am to ensure your child’s safety.
School finishes at 3.15 pm.
Illness
If your child is absent from school due to a medical reason, please notify the school office by phone before 8.50am. We will contact you if we haven’t heard by this time as part of our safeguarding procedures.
For more information about attendance at Oyster Park Primary please read our Attendance policy. If your child has to be absent from school for reasons other than illness, please inform school, in writing.
Our Target for 2025/26 is to achieve 97%.
Medical Appointments
We understand that medical appointments are sometimes unavoidable during school hours. Wherever possible, we encourage families to arrange appointments outside of the school day to minimise disruption to learning.
If a pupil needs to leave school for a medical appointment, please inform the school office in advance and ensure they are signed out and back in upon return. Evidence of the appointment will be requested.
Regular attendance is vital for academic progress and social development. Thank you for working with us to ensure pupils miss as little learning time as possible.
Term Time Holidays
In line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance, we strongly discourage holidays during term time. Regular school attendance is essential for every child’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Holidays are not considered exceptional circumstances, and headteachers cannot authorise absences for holidays unless there is a genuinely exceptional reason. Requests for leave must be submitted in advance and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Unauthorised absences due to term-time holidays may result in a penalty notice. As of August 2024, fines are:
- £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days
- £160 if paid between 22 and 28 days
- If unpaid, parents may face prosecution
We appreciate your support in ensuring your child attends school regularly and benefits fully from their education.
For full government guidance, visit: GOV.UK – School Attendance and Absence