At Burlington Infant & Nursery School we promote excellent attendance for all pupils in order to ensure that they reach their potential, both academically and socially.  We encourage all pupils to create these good habits as early as possible so that they are instilled throughout their school lives.

Our school target for attendance is 97%. Attendance is measured on a week by week basis. Children whose attendance falls below 90% are identified by the local authority as Persistent Absentees.  Attendance this low will have a detrimental effect on a child’s academic progress and will prompt the involvement of the Education Welfare Officer. If your child’s attendance falls below 90%, you will be asked to meet with the Headteacher and our Family Support Worker to review your child’s attendance. 

Each year there are only 190 statutory days in school, that is 380 registration sessions (morning and afternoon for each day). This means there are 175 days (weekends and school holidays) for shopping, birthday treats, non-urgent medical and dental appointments, holidays etc. We understand that children do fall ill occasionally and may need to stay at home. If your child is ill, please ring in on the first day of absence or use our Absence Reporting webpage. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to make a judgement on whether your child should come to school if they are unwell.  Below are some general guidelines:

Attendance and Punctuality letter to Reception to Year 2

Attendance and Punctuality letter to Nursery

Attendance Policy

Home School Agreement

Absence Reporting

In exceptional circumstances, you may need to apply for a short term absence from school.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS THE SCHOOL’S POLICY THAT HOLIDAYS MUST NOT BE TAKEN IN TERM TIME.           

Absence request procedure:

1. Request a meeting with the Headteacher a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of the date requested to discuss the exceptional circumstances.
2. Submit copies of any supporting documents (e.g. letters from the hospital) which show the exceptional/urgent nature of the leave requested, with the absence request form (completed). 

Application for school absence

Supporting our families to achieve good attendance

Mrs Easty is our Family Outreach Worker and is available to help and support families to put in place routines that support good attendance.

Meet 'Be There Bear'

‘Be-There Bear’ has been introduced to the children as our attendance bear. Every week, one class in each year group with the best attendance across their year group will win ‘Be-There Bear’ for a whole week. One child with 100% or the best attendance for that week in the winning class will be selected to take the bear home over the weekend. We ask that you take a photo of your child and the bear doing something fun together, (e.g. baking a cake, playing at the park, playing with Lego) and include it in the Be There Bear book that will come home with the bear.

The children are very excited and are looking forward to winning the bear for their class and a chance to take the bear home. Please support your child’s class and ensure your child is in school every day, arriving at 8.50am.

This week's attendance

Our average attendance this week is 97.25%
Mercury - 99.33%
Diamonds - 99%
Squirrels - 98.52%
Venus - 98.33%
Rubies - 97.97%
Hedgehogs - 97.69%
Foxes - 97.67%
Rabbits - 97.60%
Sapphires - 97.33%
Saturn - 97.33%
Emeralds - 94.26%
Jupiter - 92%

Well done to Mercury (Year 2), Diamonds (Year 1) and Squirrels (Reception) for the best attendance this week. 

Encouraging Excellent Attendance - Fixed Penalty Notices