Health and Attendance
Attendance
Attendance prior to a child reaching the age of five is non-statutory. However, regular attendance at a high-quality early years setting gives children the best start in their educational journey. It is well researched that children thrive when they attend consistently, as they benefit from routine, social interaction, and a progressive learning experience.
Your child’s key person carefully plans sessions to meet the needs of both individuals and the group. These sessions often build on one another, making it difficult to replicate experiences that are missed due to absence. We encourage all families to refer to our Attendance and Punctuality Overview to understand how absence can impact progress and development at this important stage.
Punctuality
Punctuality is just as important as regular attendance. Arriving on time helps children settle quickly and take part in the full learning experience from the start of the day. Late arrivals can cause disruption for both the child and the group, and children may miss key instructions or activities. Developing good punctuality habits early supports children in forming positive routines and attitudes towards school.
Welfare Requirements
It is likely that children will experience illness while attending school. Our Welfare Arrangements Leaflet provides clear guidance on how we manage illness and outlines the protocols for administering pain relief and prescribed medication. This ensures a safe and supportive environment for all children.
If you would like a printed copy of the leaflet, please ask at the school office.
Do I need to keep my child off school
There will be occasions when your child is not well enough to attend. To help you make informed decisions, the Public Health Agency has issued a helpful poster outlining when children should stay off school and when it is safe for them to return. This resource has been translated into 17 languages to support our diverse community.