Attendance Matters at Gilmour Infant School

Why is it important to come to school everyday?

Ensuring all children attend school every day is a priority at Gilmour Infant School. We appreciate that children are sometimes unwell and need to stay at home until they are well enough to return to school. 

To gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that all children attend regularly and on time. Children should aim to attend school every day that the school is open. Our target for is attendance is 97% and above.

As a school we will do all that we can to ensure maximum attendance for all of our children, by providing a welcoming, safe, stimulating and supportive environment that promotes a life-long love of learning. All staff will work with children and families to ensure each child attends school regularly and punctually.

School Start Times and Punctuality

Classroom doors open: 8:45

Registration closes: 8:55

Lessons start: 9:00

Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8:55 at the latest each morning. It is vitally important that your child arrives on time every day so that they do not miss out on essential learning. 

School Attendance Awards

Each week in Praise Assembly the class with the highest attendance is presented with the school's attendance trophy. Click on the link above to see who the winners of the attendance trophy are each week. 

Absences and punctuality are monitored to identify where improvements can be made and identify children who have good attendance. Each half term children with good attendance are awarded with certificates. Children with an attendance of 97% and above are awarded a silver certificate and those with 100% attendance are awarded a gold certificate.

Parents and Carers

Children attend school for 190 days per academic year. School is unable to authorise ANY holidays in term time. Children with an attendance of 90% and below are categorised as Persistent Absent and can be investigated by the Education Welfare Officer. 

How can Parents help?

• Ensure your child attends school every day and on time
• Be a good role model of attendance and punctuality
• Talk to your child about school and take an interest in the work that they are doing
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle by ensuring children take regular exercise, get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet
• Contact school by 9am on the first day of absence if your child is not well enough to attend
• Make dental and medical appointments outside of school time or at weekends
• Take family holidays during the school holiday (we are unable to authorise any term time holidays) 
• Attend parents evenings and school events
• Contact the school if you have any concerns about your child's progress or welfare