At Rushden Primary Academy, we believe that regular attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential and enjoy all aspects of school life. We expect pupils to attend school every day unless they are unable to do so because of illness or another authorised reason.

Attendance is also a safeguarding matter. Children who are absent from education, particularly repeatedly or for extended periods, may be at greater risk of harm. We work closely with families and external agencies to identify and address barriers to attendance as early as possible.

Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually. The Academy monitors attendance closely and works with families to support high levels of attendance for all pupils.

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Reporting an absence

If your child is absent due to illness, please notify the Academy before 8:50am on each day of absence by:

• Calling the absence line on 01933 201200, or
• Reporting the absence via the Arbor App

If your child is absent for any reason other than illness, a Leave of Absence Request Form should be completed in advance and submitted to the Academy.

If we have not received a reason for absence, we will contact parents/carers as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Where possible, routine medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside school hours. If this is not possible, evidence of the appointment may be requested.

Lateness and punctuality

Being punctual is vital. Arriving on time helps children settle quickly, access the full curriculum and develop good learning habits.

• Gates open at 8:35am
• Classroom doors open at 8:40am
• Registers are taken at 8:50am

Any child arriving after 8:50am will be recorded as late and should enter via the main reception entrance.

Leave of absence during term time

The Principal may only grant a leave of absence during term time in exceptional circumstances and where the request meets the requirements set out in the School Attendance Regulations.

Each application is considered individually. Requests should be made in advance using the Leave of Absence Request Form.

Family holidays will not be authorised during term time. Circumstances such as holiday costs, parental work patterns or holiday availability are not considered exceptional circumstances.

Penalty Notices

Under the National Penalty Notice Framework, implemented from August 2024, a referral may be made to the Local Authority where a pupil has:

• 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period; or
• 10 consecutive unauthorised sessions due to term-time absence.

Penalty Notices are issued by the Local Authority on a per-parent, per-child basis.

For a first Penalty Notice:

• £80 if paid within 21 days
• £160 if paid within 28 days

A second Penalty Notice for the same child within a three-year period will be charged at £160.

For further information, please visit:

https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/attendance-behaviour-and-home-schooling

Please also refer to the Greenwood Academies Trust Attendance Policy and the Academy Attendance Policy below.