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%. 

What the children want you to know about... Attendance

Read, download and save this helpful booklet, which summarises all the most important information about Attendance at Arbourthorne. Thank you to the Y6 pupils who help to write and illustrate this booklet.

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 and press 1) or in person. When leaving a message for the attendance team please state:
  • Your child name
  • Class
  • The reason for absence
  • 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 again each day your child is unable to attend. 

If your child’s absence has already been highlighted as a cause for concern you 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 will never ask you to get a doctors note for your child.

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: Attendance Policy - click here

Term Time Leave (Holidays in Term Time)

It is unlikely Term Time Leave will be authorised, unless in exceptional circumstances. The school follows the DfE Guidance for Term Time Leave which states ‘…the DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance.’ Unauthorised term time leave of 5 days or more usually results in a penalty notice, carried out by Sheffield City Council. The school follows the Sheffield City Council Term Time Leave Policy (click here to view SCC Term Time Leave Policy)

What do I need to do if I plan to take my child out of school in Term Time?

If you want to take your child out of school you need to complete a Term Time Leave Form. Ask for a Term Time Leave Form from the School Office If you believe there are exceptional circumstances for the leave, you need to add information about this to the form or write a letter to attach to the form giving as much detail as possible about the reason. Return the form to the School Office at least 20 days before the days being requested. Ms Langley, Mrs Pediani and the attendance team will discuss the request. Three outcomes are possible: Unauthorised - holiday - G code in the register Unauthorised - other unacceptable reason - O code in the register Authorised - exceptional circumstances (not a holiday) - C code in the register You will receive a phone call to discuss the outcome and to let you know if the leave has been authorised or not. School will also send you a letter in the post confirming the decision. If the absence is unauthorised and is 5 days or more a Penalty Notice Fine is usually issued by Sheffield Local Authority (City Council).

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!