Attendance Matters!

At Falcon Junior School, every school day is an exciting adventure filled with learning, friendship, and new discoveries. Working together to give every child the best start is at the heart of everything we do, and being here on time every single day helps our pupils reach their full potential.

Good attendance and great achievement go hand in hand! When children attend school regularly, they build strong friendships, stay on track with their learning, and develop confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Why Every Day Counts

Missing school means missing out on vital classroom experiences, practical activities, and social time with friends. National research shows that even 10 days of absence in an academic year, resulting in 95% attendance, can impact a child’s progress and attainment.

What your child gains by being here every day:

• Consistent Learning: Building confidence step-by-step in core subjects like Maths, English, and Science.
• Strong Friendships: Participating in teamwork, group projects, and playtimes.
• Routine & Well-being: Feeling secure and comfortable with daily school routines and support from teachers.

What To Do If Your Child Is Absent

We understand that children sometimes get unwell! If your child is unable to attend school due to illness or a medical appointment, please inform us as early as possible.

• First-Day Contact: Please telephone or email the school office on the first day of absence before 8:40 AM.
• Unexplained Absence: For the safety and to safeguard all pupils, we follow up on any unexplained absences with a telephone call or text message on the first morning. If we receive no reply a home visit will be carried out.
• Medical Appointments: Where possible, please schedule routine dentist and doctor appointments outside of school hours or during school holidays

Term-Time Leave of Absence and Holidays

Under the Education Act (1996), parents and carers have a legal duty to ensure their child attends school regularly. Leave of absence during term time is only permitted under exceptional circumstances and remains strictly at the discretion of the Headteacher. Time taken off for family holidays during the school term will be recorded as unauthorized absence.

If there are exceptional circumstances where you need to request a leave of absence for your child, please use our ‘Leave of absence request’ form. The form should be submitted in advance of the leave of absence, via the school office. You will be advised whether this request has been granted or declined.

Note: Unauthorised absences or repeated irregular attendance may be referred to the Local Authority and can result in legal action, including Fixed Penalty Notices.

Partnering Together

We want to work with you to ensure your child gets the very best out of their time at Falcon Junior School. If you are experiencing any challenges with attendance or morning routines, please come and speak with us—our pastoral and school office teams are always here to help!