Attendance

Attendance Matters at Petersfield Infant School!

Why is Attendance so Important?

Research shows that children with higher levels of school attendance are more likely to benefit from education and achieve better results both at primary and secondary school levels and in turn go on to have more successful careers. 

Good Attendance

We class good attendance as 96%.  The school will contact you if your child’s attendance falls below this either by a half-termly letter or a personal phone call, so that you are aware and any issues can be addressed together.

Your responsibility is to ensure your child attends school every day.  If they are poorly, a message must be passed to the School Office by 8.50am by telephone or email.  The School Office must be advised if a child is due to arrive late, picked up late or if they are due to be absent for a medical appointment.   If children are taken out of school for any other reason i.e holiday, an absence request form must be completed in advance.  Please be aware absence requests will only be authorised for a few very exceptional circumstances.

Attendance Policy 2024 - 2025 Petersfield Infant School Attendance Statement

From the 19 August 2024 the initial Penalty Notice that schools must issue if your child misses 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 days) in 10 weeks, will be charged at £160 per parent, per child, if paid in 28 days. 

However, if you pay within 21 days it is reduced to £80 per parent, per child.  If a second Penalty Notice has to be issued within a 3 year period, it will be for the full amount only and no reduction is applied.

As of October 2025, Penalty Notices will now be issued to families who attempt to avoid penalties by scheduling holidays that fall below the threshold of 5 days absence, including during weeks containing Bank Holidays or INSET days.  Therefore, a Penalty Notice will now be issued if a child is absent for 4 days before or after an INSET day or a Bank Holiday. 

Penalty Notices for Non Attendance Guidance

Hampshire County Council Good Attendance Guide

How can you make a difference to your child's attendance?

Ensure your child attends school on time each day

Try to make all appointments out of school hours

Do not book holidays in term time