Attendance and Times of the School Day

Why is attendance and punctuality important?

Regular attendance and good punctuality are vital to the educational achievement and personal development of your child. Pupils who attend regularly can fully benefit from the academic, personal and social opportunities offered to them at Arbourthorne Community Primary School.

Improving attendance is everyone’s business here!

We have high expectations for all pupils' attendance and expect your child to be here on time, ready to learn each day. We celebrate all children who achieve 100% and aim for all children to be above 95.5%. 

How should I notify school my child will be absent?

• Contact the school on the first day your child is absent, either by telephone  (0114 2398163) or in person, stating the reason for absence and the expected date of return. If we do not have a reason for non attendance, expect a phone call or home visit. 
• If an absence continues, you must contact the school office again each day your child is unable to attend. 

If your child’s absence has already been highlighted as a cause for concern we may be asked to provide evidence to support the absence. This will be in the form of an appointment card for a medical appointment, an appointment text sent to a parent or prescribed medication or the tear off part of the prescription slip is also acceptable. This should be taken to the office in order for the absence to be authorised.

We work closely with Sheffield City Council to secure your child's good attendance and you may be asked to speak with an attendance officer if we have concerns about your child's attendance. 

Absence will only be authorised when a satisfactory reason has been provided.

For full information about how we will work with you to support your child's attendance please read our policy - click here

Holidays During Term Time

Our school follows Sheffield City Council Term Time Leave Guidance (click here to read this document)

All requests for term time leave must be made to the Head Teacher by filling in the Term Time Leave Request Form, available from the school office.  

Only in exceptional circumstances will leave be authorised (see below). Unauthorised term time leave of 5 days or more may result in prosecution (a fine), carried out by Sheffield LA on behalf of the school. More information can be found in the Sheffield City Council Holidays in Term Time Flyer - click here 

If queries are raised about any term time leave, you may be asked to provide evidence of the days taken e.g. flight tickets or accommodation receipts.

If the school has reason to believe a term time leave has been taken without request, it is your responsibility to prove otherwise. (e.g. doctors appointment card, proof of medication etc.)

You will be informed by letter as to the outcome of your term time leave request.

Exceptional Circumstances

Situations the headteacher may consider exceptional could include major family events, such as the wedding of a parent, or visits to close relatives who may be terminally or seriously ill. Birthdays and shopping trips are not exceptional circumstances and neither is the lower cost of holidays during term-time.

It is very unlikely a leave of absence will be granted for the purposes of a family holiday. Leave during SATS tests in Y6 or at the start of a new term will not be authorised. 

Breakfast Clubs

Free Magic Breakfast

Magic Breakfast Club provides a free breakfast option for all children from Y1-6. Children can be dropped off at Magic Breakfast from 8:15am and enjoy a free healthy breakfast to prepare for a fantastic day of learning.

If you would like more information about your child joining Magic Breakfast Club please ask at the school office.

Team Bagel Breakfast

We serve free bagels and fruit in the yard to all children on arrival at school.

Times of the School Day

Classrooms open at 8.30am and all staff are ready to offer children a warm welcome! The senior and pastoral team are here to meet and greet from 8.30am at the front of school and in the playground. Adults can drop children off at their classroom door. 

School officially starts at 8.45am and finishes at 3.15pm. Children attend school for 32.5 hours per week. 

Be here by 8.40am for a prompt start to the school day!