Attendance

Mrs Phelan Pastoral and Attendance Lead
Birchwood Primary School recognises that positive behaviour and good attendance and punctuality are essential in order for pupils to get the most of their school experience, including their attainment, wellbeing and wider life chances.
We work in partnership with staff, parents & carers, pupils and the Education Welfare Service in ensuring the regular and punctual attendance of pupils. The school monitors attendance and ensures quick and early intervention if a problem is identified. The attendance policy is based on the premise of equal opportunities for all.
Our aim is that all Birchwood pupils aim for an attendance of 95% or above throughout the year. We do recognise that each pupil and family situation is unique and we are always very happy to work with those pupils and families whose circumstances may mean achieving 95% is difficult and require additional support.
This is the Birchwood Attendance Policy adopted October 2024 in line with new DFE Attendance Guidance issued on 19th August 2024.
What time does my child need to be at school?
The times of the start and close of the school day for all pupils at Birchwood Primary School are:
Gates open: 08:50am
Morning Registration starts: 09:05am
Morning Registration closes: 09:15am
Afternoon Registration starts: 13:00pm
Afternoon Registration closes: 13:10pm
End of the school day: 15:25pm ( Year R, 1 & 2) 15:30pm (Years 3,4,5 & 6)
Should I send my child to school today if they are ill?
It can be really hard to know whether you should send your child to school if they are not feeling 100%. Here is some guidance from NHS sources to help make that decision. If your child is displaying symptoms in the green categories, we would encourage you to send them in, and if we feel they are struggling during the day and need to go home, we will make contact.
What should I do if my child is ill?
If your child’s illness falls within the amber or red illnesses in the above document, you need to notify the school office before 9.05am when the register is taken.
This can be done by calling the school on 01473 610701 or email admin@birchwood.suffolk.sch.uk Please be aware that, if you leave a voicemail or send an email to report your child’s absence, you may receive a call from the school so that we may discuss the absence before making a decision as to whether the absence is to be recorded as authorised;
Can I take my child out of school for any reason and it be authorised?
Please see our Attendance Policy for advice regarding whether a child’s absence will be recorded as Authorised or Unauthorised, and guidance regarding Fixed Penalty Notices for Unauthorised Absence.
Please use the form below for Exceptional Leave of Absence requests. These must be submitted at least 4 weeks ahead of any leave.
The following flow chart shows how Attendance is monitored at Birchwood Primary: