Attendance at Waterloo Primary Academy

At Waterloo Primary Academy, we know that regular attendance plays a vital role in helping children feel settled, confident and successful in school. Our aim is to work closely with families to ensure that pupils arrive on time and attend school every day, so they can make the most of all learning opportunities.

Even small amounts of missed time can have a significant impact. For example, arriving just five minutes late each day adds up to the equivalent of three missed school days over the course of a year. Children with attendance of 80% have missed learning equivalent to around 18 school days. The government’s expected attendance benchmark is 96%, as this level of attendance best supports children’s progress and wellbeing.

Attendance is monitored regularly, and where concerns begin to emerge, we work with families at the earliest opportunity to offer support. We believe that good attendance is most successful when school and home work together. Regular attendance not only supports learning now, but also has a positive impact on children’s future opportunities.

Where attendance continues to be a concern, support may also be offered in partnership with Blackpool Council Pupil Welfare services.

Illness

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please inform the academy office by 9:00am on the first day of absence. This can be done via:

• the school app
• telephone: 01253 315370
• email: admin@waterloo.blackpool.sch.uk

Answer-phone messages can be left outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends, and will be picked up the next school day.

If your child’s attendance falls below the government guidance of 96%, medical evidence may be requested to help us accurately record and support attendance.

For NHS-recommended guidance on common childhood illnesses and advice on when children should stay off school, families may find Patient.info helpful.

Medical and Other Appointments

We ask that, wherever possible, routine appointments are arranged outside of school hours. We understand that this is not always avoidable and appreciate families keeping us informed.

Please notify the school office in advance of any appointments and provide evidence for attendance purposes. If your child needs to leave during the school day, please allow sufficient time for collection and be aware that children cannot be collected from class until a parent or carer arrives at the office.

Holidays During Term Time

We understand the challenges families may face when arranging holidays. However, in line with national guidance, holidays taken during term time cannot be authorised.

Any term-time holiday will be recorded as not agreed, and a penalty notice may be considered in accordance with local authority procedures. Families are encouraged to refer to current guidance issued by Blackpool Council regarding unauthorised absence and penalty notices.

Working Together

We are committed to supporting families and working together to promote good attendance. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, punctuality, or any circumstances affecting school attendance, we encourage you to speak with us as early as possible so that support can be offered.