Laithes Attendance Policy:

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 Recognition-Based Approach
Our attendance philosophy is rooted in a recognition-based approach that recognises both personal and collective achievements. This approach serves to thwart isolation, prevent victimisation, cultivate positive environments, nurture relationships, foster inclusivity, and ultimately cultivate intrinsic motivation among our children, families, and staff.  

The Importance of School Attendance
School attendance is not merely a requirement but a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping academic success, personal growth, and future prospects, making it an indispensable aspect of any educational system. 

• Social Development: School provides a vital social environment for children and adolescents to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn essential social skills. Consistent attendance ensures children remain connected to their peer group.
• Building Routine: School attendance establishes a structured routine in children’s lives, teaching them time management and responsibility, which are valuable life skills.
• Teacher Interaction: Regular attendance allows for meaningful teacher-child interactions. Teachers can provide personalised support, address questions, and assess individual progress more effectively when children attend regularly.
• Preventing Knowledge Gaps: Frequent absences can lead to significant knowledge gaps, making it challenging for children to catch up with missed lessons, potentially resulting in long-term academic struggles.
• School Engagement: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and other enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development.
• Community Well-being: High levels of school attendance contribute to the overall well-being of communities. ​

Our Graduated Attendance Approach
We promote excellent attendance through a graduated, child-centred approach. This ensures that all pupils receive the right level of support, at the right time, to help them feel safe, included, and able to attend school regularly.
Attendance is viewed as a shared responsibility between school, families, and partner agencies, and concerns are addressed early to prevent escalation.

Tier 1: Universal Attendance – For All Pupils

High-quality universal provision forms the foundation of our attendance strategy and benefits every pupil.
We create an inclusive school culture where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and understand the importance of attending school regularly. Clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive relationships support pupils to attend well, while recognition and celebration reinforce positive attendance behaviours.
High-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences ensure pupils are motivated to attend and participate fully in school life.
Tier 1 strategies are preventative and designed to promote good attendance for all pupils.

​Tier 2: Targeted & Early Help Attendance Support – For Some Pupils
When early patterns of concern are identified, additional support is put in place quickly to prevent attendance issues from becoming entrenched.
Support at this level is personalised and time-limited, focusing on identifying and reducing barriers to attendance. This may include individual attendance plans, regular check-ins with a trusted adult, and close partnership working with families.
Attendance is monitored carefully, and strategies are reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective and proportionate.
Tier 2 support aims to address emerging needs early and reduce the need for more intensive intervention.
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​Tier 3: Intensive Attendance & Multi-Agency Support – For a Few Pupils
A small number of pupils may experience complex or persistent attendance difficulties that require intensive, multi-agency support.
At this level, attendance concerns are treated as a safeguarding and wellbeing issue, and support is coordinated by senior leaders. We work closely with families and external professionals, including health services, early help, social care, and attendance services, to provide joined-up support.
Provision is highly individualised and may include flexible or phased approaches to help pupils re-engage with education successfully.
Tier 3 support ensures that the most vulnerable pupils receive sustained, coordinated help to improve attendance and wellbeing.

​Our graduated approach ensures that attendance is addressed supportively, proportionately, and consistently, with the child’s wellbeing at the centre of all decisions.