At Burford we care about every child attending school every day. Attending school is essential for children's wellbeing and academic future. Allowing children to miss a day of school unnecessarily not only means they are missing their right to education, it is also breaking the law. 

What do we do to promote good attendance?

A lot! We start by creating a positive school environment where children want to be; warm and friendly classrooms, high expectations of behaviour, an enriching curriculum and adults who truly care. Alongside this, we have a number of incentives and drivers to tackle attendance directly.

Pupils at Burford have their good attendance acknowledged both individually, through weekly raffle tickets, and on a whole class level, through class star charts. We communicate with parents regularly, through personalised attendance letters, so they are aware of the impact any absences have on their child's overall attendance. Messaging across school is clear and consistent - we want children in school every day on time. 

Our Attendance Lead, supported by the senior leadership team and teaching staff, tracks attendance carefully and applies the graduated partnership approach to improving attendance in cases where attendance causes concern. We understand there can be significant barriers for some families to overcome so aim to work alongside families whilst still having high expectations.

What about if my child is ill or unable to come to school for any reason?

We understand that all children might miss school from time to time. Here are a few things to remember:

• If your child is not feeling well, this may not mean that they should miss school. The NHS have issued guidance on this matter (see below). With your written consent, we can administer medicine at school to support attendance.
• If your child is going to miss school for any other reason then please speak to Mrs Stephens-Jephcote in the office. Sometimes we may be able to help your child come to school, and if not we will be able to let you know whether we will authorise the absence or not.
• Whatever the reason for absence, you should always notify the school office every time that your child will be absent from school. This should be done before 8.40am on the day they are absent, by the parent or carer themselves.

If you have any concerns about your child's attendance or would like further information and support please do not hesitate to contact school. We care about your child being in school and we will do all we can to support you and ensure they attend every school day possible.  

Attendance Team

Mrs Stephens-Jephcote - Attendance Officer

Mrs Lister - Headteacher

Mrs Arnold - Deputy Headteacher

Further Support 

Alternatively, you can contact Nottingham City Council’s Education Welfare Service by calling 0115 9150716 or emailing education.welfare@nottinghamcity.gov.uk