At Elmgrove Primary and Nursery, we believe that excellent attendance is essential to every child’s success. Strong attendance is closely linked to strong academic progress, and attending school every day gives children the best possible chance to achieve their full potential.

Each week we celebrate classes with the most improved attendance each week and recognise the classes with the best overall attendance. Regular, consistent attendance plays a vital role in children’s learning and development.

The Department for Education (DfE) expects all children to achieve at least 96% attendance, and we share this expectation for every pupil from Nursery onwards.

Attendance is monitored regularly and reported in line with statutory requirements. As attendance and attainment are directly connected, it is essential that children attend school every day unless they are genuinely unwell.

 

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, parents/carers must inform the school by 8:45am on the first day of absence.

You can report an absence by:

 Message through Arbor app.

 Emailing us at: office@elmgrove.harrow.sch.uk

 Phoning the school office on 020 8909 2992. You may leave a message on the absence line or speak to a member of staff.

Please include your child’s full name, class, and a clear reason for the absence.

 

Attendance Traffic Light Email

At Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery, we want all children to come to school every day. Being in school helps children to learn well, make friends and feel confident. Children who come to school regularly usually do better in their learning.

Our school attendance target is 96%. This means we would like children to be in school as much as possible. A copy of our Attendance Policy can be found on the school’s website by clicking HERE.

To help families understand attendance, we use a traffic light system. We will send a letter to parents/carers every half term to show their child’s attendance. We understand that sometimes children are absent for good reasons, such as illness. However, we want to share attendance information early, so we can work together before attendance becomes a problem.

What the letters mean:

Your child’s attendance is very low. This means your child is missing a lot of school and needs support to improve attendance. Parents will be required to attend an Attendance Review Meeting with our Attendance Champion Headteacher and Mrs Campbell, Attendance Administrator.

Your child’s attendance is starting to fall. Without improvement, your child may soon miss too much school.

Your child’s attendance is above 96%. This is good attendance. Thank you for helping your child come to school regularly. 

Well done! Your child has been in school every day.

If you are worried about your child’s attendance, or if you would like help or advice, please contact Mrs Campbell in the school office. We are happy to talk with you and support your family.