Attendance
At our school, we believe good attendance is essential for every child’s success. The Headteacher and Governors monitor attendance in line with Local Authority procedures to support learning, prevent gaps in education, and promote a positive school routine.
We value working in partnership with families. If you are experiencing any difficulties with attendance or punctuality, please contact us—we are here to help
Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is vital for children’s learning, wellbeing, and friendships. Even a small amount of absence can have a significant impact—for example, a two-week holiday each year results in 14 weeks of missed learning over a child’s primary education.
While the Government’s minimum attendance expectation is 95%, most children achieve 97% or higher, and many achieve 100%. Strong attendance is closely linked to better educational outcomes.
We provide termly attendance reports and will contact families when attendance falls below 95%. Where attendance drops below 90%, additional support may be sought from the Local Authority.
Our school attendance target is 97%, and we celebrate good attendance through weekly and annual rewards. With school open for only 190 days each year, every day counts.
Punctuality
School starts at 8:45am. Being on time helps children settle in and start the day positively. Late arrivals after registers close at 9:15am are marked as unauthorised absence unless there's a valid reason (e.g. medical appointment).
Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8.45am so they:
- can have that valuable time to socialise and catchup with their friends before school;
- enter school with their classmates and have a good start to the day;
- avoid the disruption and upset of entering lessons part way through.
Reporting a child's absence
Please inform the school by 8:45am via:
- Phone: 015395 32392
- Email: admin@grange.cumbria.sch.uk
- School app
Include the reason for absence. Unexplained absences are recorded as unauthorised.
Sickness & Diarrhoea
Keep children home for 48 hours after the last episode to prevent spreading illness.
Appointments
Try to schedule medical/dental visits outside school hours.
Term-Time Leave of Absence in Westmorland and Furness
In Westmorland and Furness, leave of absence during term time is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Holidays and leisure activities are not considered exceptional and will not be authorised.W& F Letter regarding Leave of Absence in Term Time
Frequently Asked Questions - Fixed Penalty Notices June 26
How to Request Leave of Absence
- Contact the school in advance: Submit your request before the intended absence.
- Provide a clear reason: Include all relevant details. Additional information cannot be added after the absence has occurred.Notification of Pupils Absence
What Counts as Exceptional Circumstances
- Unavoidable events such as:
- Death of a close relative
- Attendance at a funeral
- Housing crisis
- Respite care for a looked-after child
- Religious observance
What Does Not Count as Exceptional Circumstances
- Holidays
- Leisure activities
Consequences of Unauthorised Absence
- Absences without a valid explanation are recorded as unauthorised.
- The Department for Education requires the local authority to consider issuing a penalty notice for 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period.
- Regular attendance is essential for a child’s education and development.
Welfare Medicines and Sickness
We care about your child’s wellbeing. If you have any concerns or specific needs, please speak to a member of staff.
First Aid and Illness
- Staff trained in First Aid will treat minor injuries like cuts and bruises.
- For serious accidents, we’ll contact you immediately and call emergency services if needed.
- If your child becomes unwell at school, we’ll ask you (or a nominated adult) to collect them as soon as possible.
Medicines in School
- Short term medication: Please contact the school office and complete a form. Where possible, ask your GP to prescribe doses outside school hours.
- Long-term medication (e.g. inhalers): Children can bring these to school. Parents must inform us and complete a form. Children should know how and when to use their medication.
- We are an asthma-friendly school and staff are trained in asthma care.
