Research shows conclusively that children who attend school regularly and on time achieve best at school.

At St. Aidan's we actively encourage children to be in school whenever possible.

For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend school regularly and arrive at school on time unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s social and academic education and regular absence will seriously affect their learning.

 

We open our classroom doors at 8.40am in order for children to take off their coats and bags and get settled ready for our official 8.50am start. 

School finishes at 3.20pm. 

The compulsory time that school is open per typical week is 32 hours and 55 minutes.

We have a wonderful breakfast club that is available to all children. It is open from 7.45am to 8.40am. Children are provided with a healthy breakfast and are able to join in with fun activities. The cost is £1 per child except for Pupil Premium pupils where breakfast is provided for free.

Important news about the school day

To comply with the government's expectation that all pupils will be in school for 32.5 hours per week, from September 2023 we are extending the school day. Therefore school will start at 8.50am (Doors are open at 8.40am) and will finish at 3.20pm (5 minutes later than we currently finish). The gates will be open from 3.15pm for parents and carers to collect pupils. 

At the end of every term, children will now finish at 1.15pm instead of 2.15pm. The dates this will apply on are Friday 22nd December 2023Thursday 22nd March 2024 and Friday 19th July 2024.

Expectations

It is the parent/carers legal responsibility to make sure your child attends school.  Each year we set a target for attendance and this is used to compare us to other schools nationally.  Our current target is 95% attendance.  

What YOU must do:

  • Try to telephone the school before 8.30am each day of your child’s absence.

  •  Tell the school in advance, of any medical appointments and bring in appointment cards/letters.

  •  If your child is ill, read the NHS advice, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ to help you decide whether they can go to school.

  • If you are not sure whether your child is well enough to attend school, send them in anyway as they often perk up on arrival.

  • Have a backup plan for if your child misses transport, call on a family member, neighbour or friend.

  • If you and your child are experiencing difficulties with school attendance then talk to us as a first step so we can help!

What WE will do: 

  • Check your child’s attendance every day.

  • Phone home to discuss your child’s attendance with you.

  • Invite you into school for attendance meetings if we are concerned.

  •  If we cannot establish a reason for absence, then we may make a welfare home visit.