At Ribchester St Wilfrid’s, we work closely with families to support every child’s learning and individual needs, helping them to make the most of their education and reach their full potential. Good attendance is key to success — academically, personally and socially. By attending school regularly, children can:
- Make and develop friendships
- Learn teamwork and collaboration skills
- Resolve disagreements respectfully
- Develop tolerance, respect and acceptance for others, regardless of age, gender, ability, race or religion
We are required to keep and monitor detailed records of attendance, absence and lateness. These are submitted regularly to the Local Authority (LA).
If your child is absent, please contact the school office by 8.45am on each day of absence or as soon as possible.
Unplanned Absence Due to Illness
If your child is unwell, please inform the school by 8.45am on the first day of absence by calling the school office (01254 878300).
Absences due to illness will normally be authorised unless there is a genuine concern about the reason provided.
If the absence continues, please contact the school each day with an update. We may advise how long your child should remain at home depending on the illness or infection.
If your child is absent from school, we will not provide work for them.
Medical Appointments
Medical or dental appointments will be authorised if the school is notified in advance. Please inform the school office (01254 878300) of the appointment details.
Whenever possible, we ask that appointments are made outside of school hours. Where this isn’t possible, please ensure your child is out of school for the shortest time necessary.
Exceptional Circumstances
The headteacher may grant a leave of absence during term time only in exceptional circumstances. Each request will be considered individually, taking into account the specific facts and context.
Examples of valid reasons for authorised absence include:
- Illness or medical/dental appointments
- Absence recommended by a health professional as part of medical or emotional rehabilitation
- Religious observance for days set apart by a recognised religious body
- Traveller pupils travelling for occupational purposes (agreed with the school)
- Service personnel returning from a tour of duty abroad, with no other available leave coinciding with school holidays
- The death or terminal illness of a close relative
Punctuality
Arriving at school on time is important for your child’s learning and social development. Being late can disrupt both your child’s learning and that of others.
- School opens at 8.45am.
- Learning begins at 8:58am. Children should be in class and ready to learn by this time.
- Children arriving after 8.58am must report to the school office and will be recorded as late.
- Frequent lateness will be monitored and may result in contact from the school to discuss ways to improve punctuality.
- Persistent lateness may be referred to the Local Authority, as it can affect a child’s overall attendance record and learning progress.
We appreciate your support in helping your child develop a positive habit of punctuality.