Attendance and Absence
Every Day Counts
At Lunsford Primary School, we have high expectations for every child's attendance and punctuality. We expect all pupils to attend school every day and arrive on time unless they are unwell.
Regular attendance is essential to a child's academic achievement, wellbeing, and overall school experience. Children who attend school consistently are more likely to achieve their full potential, develop positive relationships, and benefit from the wide range of opportunities available to them.
As a school, we are committed to promoting excellent attendance and celebrating success. We actively encourage 100% attendance and recognise pupils' commitment through a variety of weekly, termly and annual rewards.
We recognise the vital role that parents and carers play in ensuring good attendance and understand that there may occasionally be challenges that affect a child's ability to attend school. Where concerns arise, we will work in partnership with families and, where appropriate, external agencies to provide support and improve attendance.
Leave of Absence During Term Time
The Department for Education is clear that children should not be taken out of school during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Requests for leave of absence must be made in advance and will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Please refer to our Attendance Policy for full details.
Why Attendance Matters
Even a small amount of absence can have a significant impact on a child's learning and progress.
Good attendance helps children to:
- Achieve their full academic potential
- Develop confidence and resilience
- Build positive friendships and relationships
- Establish good routines and habits
- Feel fully included in school life
Please refer to our Attendance and Punctuality Factsheet to see the impact attendance can have on attainment and educational outcomes.
Lunsford Primary School Attendance “Go-To-Guide”
Illness and medical appointments
Not sure if your child is well enough for school? For example, if they've got a runny nose, slight cough or headache but no high temperature, they can usually still attend if they are otherwise well – and we’ll keep an eye on them.
If your child has a medical appointment, try to book it outside of school hours where possible. If not, send them in before and after the appointment so they don’t miss a full day.
If you are thinking of keeping your child at home when they’re unwell, it's important to tell us as soon as possible. Absences can be reported on the school Absence Line 01732843352 option 1. You can also email the Office office@lunsford.kent.sch.uk.
Requesting a leave of absence for exceptional circumstances
Our school community is stronger when all children are here, on time, every day. Coming to school helps your child learn, build confidence and life skills. You can apply for a leave of absence for certain reasons such as if your child has a medical appointment, or if there are exceptional circumstances.
Department for Education guidance, “Working together to improve school attendance” says: “Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.” (p.85)
If you need to ask for time off for exceptional circumstances, please speak to us first. We will always listen and talk this through with you.
- Discuss with us before you make any plans
- Fill in a leave of absence request form. Please call the Office who will provide you with a link to the form.
- Give as much notice as possible.
- The parent or carer your child lives with should make the request
If there is a family emergency, please think carefully about whether your child needs to miss school. In most cases, it is better for them to stay in school, with their friends and routine. If you can, please make other arrangements so they can still attend.
We must know where children are so we can know that they are safe. If we do not know why your child is not in school, we will follow our safeguarding procedures.
If time off is taken but not authorised you may get a penalty notice fine or other legal action. To help you plan ahead, you can find our term dates and INSET days here: KCC Term Dates 2007/078 If you have any questions or need support, please contact the School Office. We are here to help.
Being on time/lateness
Being on time helps your child start the day calmly. It helps them learn, build routines and connect with their friends.
When children arrive late, they can miss important information and feel unsettled. Pupils can arrive from 08:20am . They should be ready to start the school day at 8.30am (Reception and Key Stage 1) or 8.40am Key Stage 2.
If your child arrives after 8.50am, they will be marked as late.
If getting to school on time is difficult, please talk to us. We can help with routines and find small changes that make mornings easier. We may invite you to meet with us to talk about lateness and agree a plan together. If you have any questions or need support, please contact our FLO Mrs Taylor (ataylor@lunsford.kent.sch.uk).
Support with attendance
We want every child to feel safe, settled and ready to learn. Being in school every day helps children build routines, make friends and grow in confidence. We know that some children feel worried about coming to school at times. This is normal, especially at the start of a new term, a new class, or if there are issues with friends or in lessons. Sometimes there are other issues that make coming to school difficult, such as transport, uniform or difficulties at home. If attendance is becoming a struggle, please talk to us – we are here to help.
We can work together to understand what is happening and agree a plan together.
If needed, we can help you find support from other services.
It’s normal to feel nervous sometimes. In most cases, coming to school helps children feel better. Being with friends and trusted adults can make worries feel smaller.
We will look out for your child, listen to them and help them feel safe.
We know some children may have stronger or longer-lasting feelings of anxiety.
If this happens, we will work with you to support your child.
This may include small, practical changes such as:
- extra support from a trusted adult
- changes to routines or activities within the school day
- support at break or lunchtime
Please remember, we are here to help. If you have any concerns, contact our FLO Mrs Taylor ataylor@lunsford.kent.sch.uk.
Help guides and videos
Tips for managing back to school worries: Clinical Psychologist Dr Nihara Krause has created these top tips to help parents manage concerns their child may have about returning to school after the holidays.
Tips for how parents can support with good attendance in primary school
School attendance expectations for parents of those going into primary
Weekly Attendance Class Winners 2026 - 2027
AUTUMN TERM 2026 (classes with 96.5% and above) -