Attendance and Punctuality
For children to have the best opportunity for success in their learning the need to be on time for school and here EVERY DAY!
For many years, the attendance of children at Rotherfield has been among the lowest in Islington. Islington is also one of the worst performing boroughs in terms of attendance in the whole country! Attendance therefore, is a top priority in all schools in our borough and especially at Rotherfield!
Our aim is to make a significant and lasting improvement in attendance. By being in school consistently, we give ourselves the best chance to succeed in our learning and achieve our full potential.
Attendance
Please find below our whole school attendance data:
|
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
|
|
Whole School Attendance |
90.9% |
92.5% |
91.8% |
|
National Whole School Attendance |
91.6% |
93.1% |
91.8% |
|
% of pupils who are persistently absent |
32% |
24% |
25% |
Why should children be in school?
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Foundation for Learning - Primary school builds essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, which are the building blocks for all future education.
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Social Development - Children learn how to interact, share, and cooperate with peers, developing communication and teamwork skills.
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Emotional Growth - School provides a safe environment for children to build confidence, resilience, and independence.
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Access to Opportunities - Regular attendance ensures children benefit from structured lessons, extracurricular activities, and support services.
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Better Future Outcomes - Consistent schooling is linked to higher academic achievement, better career prospects, and improved life chances.
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It’s the law - In the UK, every child of compulsory school age—starting the term after their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16—must receive a full-time education. If registered at a school, parents/carers are legally required to ensure their child attends regularly. Failure to do so may lead to legal action or fines.
Holidays during school term time are against the law!
Taking children on holiday or out of school during term time is against the law.
We understand that holidays during term time may cost less money, but they are still against the law.
Term time holidays are an increasingly serious issue – and the government is advising schools to take serious action where they need to in order to make sure they do not happen.
The school is not allowed to authorise absence during term time, unless there are exceptional reasons (this does NOT include sickness of a family member).
Taking unauthorised holidays could result in a penalty notice from the Local Authority.
Please click here to see our term-time leave letter.
What if my child is sick?
We understand that children can become unwell. However, minor coughs and colds are not a reason to miss school. If your child is well enough to get out of bed, play, or watch TV, they are well enough to attend school. Feeling tired is not an illness—please ensure your child gets enough sleep by having an earlier bedtime.
Rewards at Rothefield
At Rotherfield Primary School, we offer a wide range of exciting rewards to celebrate excellent attendance and punctuality. Please see below some of the rewards that we offer.
