At Marwood Primary School, we believe that every day in school matters. Great attendance and punctuality help children build confidence, develop friendships, make strong academic progress and fully participate in school life.

As part of The Harbour Schools Partnership, we follow a graduated approach to attendance. This means that when attendance concerns arise, we work closely with pupils and families to understand any barriers and provide support as early as possible.

Our attendance flowchart below shows the steps we follow. The process begins with high expectations for all pupils and early identification of any attendance concerns. We then work alongside families to understand what may be affecting attendance and agree the most appropriate support. In most cases, concerns can be resolved through partnership, communication and targeted support.

Where attendance remains a concern despite support being offered, more formal attendance procedures may be used in line with Trust policy and Department for Education guidance. Our aim is always to help every child access the education they deserve and to ensure that no child misses out on opportunities to learn, thrive and succeed.

Our Graduated Attendance Approach

1. Expect

We promote excellent attendance for all pupils and celebrate positive attendance habits from the very beginning.

2. Monitor

We regularly review attendance and punctuality data to identify emerging concerns or patterns as early as possible.

3. Listen and Understand

We talk with pupils and families to understand any difficulties that may be affecting attendance and identify how we can help.

4. Facilitate Support

We put support in place to remove barriers to attendance. This may include pastoral support, SEND support, Early Help, healthcare plans or other targeted interventions.

5. Formalise Support

Where concerns continue, we work with families through an Attendance Support Plan, attendance meetings and regular reviews to help improve attendance.

6. Enforce

Where support has not secured sufficient improvement, schools have a duty to consider formal attendance procedures in line with statutory guidance.

Key Attendance Information

• Good attendance: 97% and above
• Attendance concern: Patterns of absence or attendance beginning to decline
• Persistent absence: 90% attendance or below
• Severe absence: 50% attendance or below
• Persistent lateness: Five or more late marks in a half-term

We are committed to working in partnership with families and recognise that every child's circumstances are unique. If you are experiencing difficulties which may affect your child's attendance, please contact us as early as possible so that we can work together to find the right support.

Senior Attendance Champion: Dr Stuart Boon
Contact: Please contact the school office if you would like to discuss your child's attendance or punctuality.