It’s Cool to be in School!
Be in, be on time,
Love, learn, and shine!
It’s cool to be in school each day,
At St Matthew’s, we lead the way!
Show up strong, do your best,
Try your hardest, beat the rest.
Every day, in every way,
We learn and grow — hip hip hooray!
Up you get, don’t snooze or wait,
Being on time is really great!
In school today, we’ll laugh and play,
Learn new things in every way.
Be in, be bright, be ready to go,
At St Matthew’s, we love to grow.
We are proud of all you do,
When you’re in school — we shine with you!
Why Attendance Matters
St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School recognises the strong link between regular attendance, punctuality, and pupils’ achievement. Our aim is to encourage the highest possible levels of attendance and punctuality in order to support each child’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
The importance of good attendance is also closely linked to safeguarding. Seeing our children every day helps us to ensure they are safe, well, and supported in a secure and nurturing learning environment.
To gain the greatest benefit from their education, it is vital that all pupils attend school regularly and arrive on time. Pupils are expected to attend every day that the school is open, unless they are unwell or have an authorised absence.
We encourage all pupils to aim for 100% attendance and expect a minimum of 97%. At St Matthew’s, regular attendance is defined as 97% or above, and we work closely with families to support children in achieving this target.
View our Attendance Policy on our Policies page
Download: Child Friendly Attendance Policy [PDF]
Download: Attendance Reminders for Parents & Carers [PDF]
St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School believes Teachers, Parents, Carers, Pupils and all members of the school community have an important contribution in improving attendance and punctuality ensuring pupils attend to achieve.
Any absence affects education and regular absence will seriously affect pupils’ learning. Pupils who have time off often:
- Find it difficult to catch up and do well
- Find it harder to make and maintain friendships
- Tend to be less happy whilst in school
90% attendance is equivalent to a pupil missing one half day per week or approximately 118 lessons per year.
Ensure your child arrives for school on time.
- Telephone school if your child is to be late.
- For routine non-emergency medical and dental appointments please ensure they are made outside of school hours.
- Contact school preferably by 9.30 am on the first day of absence if your child is unable to attend through illness, giving an indication of the expected duration and return date to school.
- If a text message/phone call is received as a result of your child’s absence it is important that you respond to this text to ensure your child is appropriately safeguarded.
- Contact the School Office and request to speak to a member of staff privately if the reason for absence requires a more personal contact.
- In case of emergency we need up to date contact numbers at all times so please ensure you inform us of any changes especially to mobile telephone numbers. (As a school we request a minimum of two emergency contact details be provided)
- Requests for exceptional circumstances leave of absence must be in writing to the Headteacher and can only be authorised by the Headteacher. Reasons such as a close family bereavement or taking part in a significant religious event would be acceptable for short absences. Unacceptable reasons for missing school, include general holidays, weddings, shopping, concerts and birthdays.
If a pupil is absent we will:
- Telephone and text the parent/carer on the first day of absence if we have not heard from them by 10 am.
- If no response is received and the absence is unauthorised a member of school staff will conduct a home visit as directed by head teacher. If there are safeguarding concerns contact will be made with the family as soon as possible.
- If a pupil’s absences are increasing and we are not aware of a good reason the parent/carer will be invited to meet the Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher or Pastoral Care Lead.
- If absences persist the attendance team will discuss actions with the Education Welfare Officer.
Be on Time
The gate will close, don’t be late,
Step in early and start the day great.
Join your friends and lessons too,
Being on time is good for you!
Poor punctuality is not acceptable. If a pupil misses the start of the day they can miss work and late arriving pupils disrupt lessons, it can be embarrassing for the pupil arriving late and can encourage future absence.
The school day starts and registers are taken at 8.50am by the class teacher and pupils receive a late mark if they are not in their class by that time. School recommends that pupils arrive by 8.45am.
- If a pupil arrives late to school parents/carers will receive a text message/telephone call to inform them of their child’s late arrival.
- Late arrival to school following the close of registers is classified as an absence. If a pupil is persistently late after the official close of the register, the school may request the local authority issue a Penalty Notice.
If a Parent/Carer has any problem getting their child to attend school on time they should contact the School Office who will offer support to resolve the problem.
