Attendance
At Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, we strongly believe that regular, punctual attendance is one of the most important foundations for a child’s success — academically, socially and emotionally. Every day matters. Every lesson matters. Every moment of connection with peers and trusted adults matters.
Why Attendance Matters More Than Ever
Across the country, school attendance has become a major national priority. Since the pandemic, the number of children missing school has risen significantly, prompting the government to place a renewed focus on attendance and the early signs of absence. National data shows that even a small increase in missed days can have a meaningful impact on a child’s learning, wellbeing and long‑term outcomes.
For example, pupils who attend school nearly every day in Year 6 have 30% higher odds of reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths than similar pupils whose attendance drops just slightly. Missing only ten extra days a year can reduce the chances of good outcomes at secondary school, and persistent absence has been linked to reduced earning potential in adulthood.
This is why the government’s updated attendance guidance urges schools to treat attendance as a key indicator of wellbeing, inclusion and safeguarding, not just a number on a register.
Our Approach to Attendance
At Graven Hill, good attendance begins with belonging — children attend more regularly when they feel safe, known and valued. From Preschool onwards, we build strong relationships with children and families so that being in school becomes a positive, predictable and joyful routine.
To support good attendance, we:
- Carefully monitor day‑to‑day patterns and early signs of worry
- Work in partnership with families to remove barriers to attendance
- Prioritise wellbeing, nurture and secure relationships
- Provide a supportive approach to punctuality
- Ensure the curriculum is engaging, purposeful and motivating
National guidance emphasises that early identification and early intervention are key to preventing persistent absence, and this is central to our practice.
Punctuality Matters, Too
Our gates open at 8:30am, and all children are expected to be in school and ready to learn by 8:40am, with the school day beginning at 8:45am. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 8:45am to support families who need an earlier start, and staff ensure children transition calmly to class.
Even in Preschool, punctuality helps children:
- Settle quickly and confidently
- Understand routines and expectations
- Build strong learning habits from the earliest years
- Feel secure and connected at the start of each day
Good habits formed early lay the foundation for success later on.
Working Together
Improving attendance is always a partnership. Schools that have made the biggest improvements nationally have done so by working closely with families, communicating clearly, and understanding the “why” behind absence rather than simply recording it.
At Graven Hill, we value honest conversations, shared problem‑solving and compassionate support. If you are worried about your child’s attendance, or if there are challenges impacting their ability to attend, please reach out — we are here to help.
Together, we can ensure every child at Graven Hill experiences every opportunity to belong, achieve and thrive.