Attendance

At our school, we believe that regular attendance is key to every child’s success. The Headteacher and Governors work closely to follow the Local Authority’s attendance procedures and monitor attendance carefully. Our goal is to help every child build strong learning habits, avoid gaps in their education, and enjoy a consistent school routine.

Let’s work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing. If you’re facing challenges with attendance or punctuality, please get in touch —we’re here to help.

Why Attendance Matters

We know how important it is for children to be in school every day. Missing even a few days can lead to gaps in learning and make it harder to keep up with routines and friendships. For example, a two-week holiday each year adds up to 14 weeks of missed teaching time over primary school!

The Government sets 95% as the minimum acceptable attendance, but most children reach 97% or more—and many achieve 100%. Research shows that children with excellent attendance are more likely to meet or exceed learning expectations.

To support families, we send out termly attendance reports and will be in touch if attendance drops below 95%. If it falls below 90%, we may involve the Local Authority to offer extra support.

We aim for 97% attendance across our school and celebrate it in fun ways:

• Weekly class prize: “Sam” the attendance tiger cub
• End-of-year reward: book tokens for 100% attendance

Out of 365 days in a year, school is open for just 190—every day counts!

Punctuality

School starts at 8:45am. Being on time helps children settle in and start the day positively. Late arrivals after registers close at 9:15am are marked as unauthorised absence unless there's a valid reason (e.g. medical appointment).

Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8.45am so they:

• can have that valuable time to socialise and catchup with their friends before school;
• enter school with their classmates and have a good start to the day;
• avoid the disruption and upset of entering lessons part way through.

Reporting a child's absence 

Please inform the school by 8:45am via:

• Phone: 015395 32392
• Email: admin@grange.cumbria.sch.uk
• School app

Include the reason for absence. Unexplained absences are recorded as unauthorised.

Sickness & Diarrhoea
Keep children home for 48 hours after the last episode to prevent spreading illness.

Appointments
Try to schedule medical/dental visits outside school hours.

Term-Time Leave of Absence in Westmorland and Furness

In Westmorland and Furness, leave of absence during term time is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Holidays and leisure activities are not considered exceptional and will not be authorised.W& F Letter regarding Leave of Absence in Term Time

How to Request Leave of Absence

• Contact the school in advance: Submit your request before the intended absence.
• Provide a clear reason: Include all relevant details. Additional information cannot be added after the absence has occurred.Notification of Pupils Absence

What Counts as Exceptional Circumstances

• Unavoidable events such as:
  • Death of a close relative
  • Attendance at a funeral
  • Housing crisis
• Respite care for a looked-after child
• Religious observance

What Does Not Count as Exceptional Circumstances

• Holidays
• Leisure activities

Consequences of Unauthorised Absence

• Absences without a valid explanation are recorded as unauthorised.
• The Department for Education requires the local authority to consider issuing a penalty notice for 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period.
• Regular attendance is essential for a child’s education and development.

Welfare Medicines and Sickness

We care about your child’s wellbeing. If you have any concerns or specific needs, please speak to a member of staff.

First Aid and Illness

• Staff trained in First Aid will treat minor injuries like cuts and bruises.
• For serious accidents, we’ll contact you immediately and call emergency services if needed.
• If your child becomes unwell at school, we’ll ask you (or a nominated adult) to collect them as soon as possible.

Medicines in School

• Short term medication: Please contact the school office and complete a form. Where possible, ask your GP to prescribe doses outside school hours.
• Long-term medication (e.g. inhalers): Children can bring these to school. Parents must inform us and complete a form. Children should know how and when to use their medication.
• We are an asthma-friendly school and staff are trained in asthma care.