This is a successful school and every child plays their part in making it so. We aim for an environment, which enables and encourages all children to achieve their potential and aspire to excellence.

For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and every child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless they have an unavoidable reason to be absent. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning.

Absence or late arrival also disrupts teaching routines and so may affect the learning of others in the same class.

Government research shows a direct link between attendance and attainment and good attenders also make better progress socially, learn to work with others, and are better prepared for the transition to primary, secondary school and, eventually, higher education, training and employment.

It is very important therefore that you make sure that your child attends regularly and this policy sets out how together we will achieve this.

Our attendance target this year is 92%, but all pupils should strive to achieve 100% attendance if they can.

You can read more about attendance on our website:

https://www.ribblesdale-nur.lancs.sch.uk/policies/

If your child is going to be absent, parents must inform school as soon as possible and at the latest by 9.15 am / 1.15pm on the first day of absence via the phone line or email. (By calling school on 01200 423672 or email bursar@ribblesdalenur.lancs.sch.uk).

Even though Nursery School education is not defined as ‘compulsory’, good attendance is crucial to your child’s success and progress. Children who attend high-quality early education and childcare between ages 2 and 4 on average perform better at every stage of school. In fact, the benefit of spending at least 2 years in early education and childcare is equivalent to gaining a higher grade in around 7 GCSEs. Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life September 2025.

LEAVE IN TERM TIME REQUEST

Although this is discouraged, the main office has a supply of holiday forms for parents to complete should they wish to take their child out of school during the school term. We will be following Lancashire County Council’s Policies for Leave in Term Time.