Attendance

At Kingdom Christian School, we believe that regular school attendance is important in helping every child make great progress, reach their potential and build confidence.

Coming to school gives children the opportunity to spend time with their friends, enjoy exciting activities, develop resilience and perseverance, and have fun while learning.

We understand that there can sometimes be challenges with attending school, and we encourage parents and carers to keep in touch with us so that we can work together to find solutions.

 

Why Good Attendance Matters

Coming to school regularly helps children to:

  • Make great progress in their learning.
  • Reach their full potential.
  • Spend time with their friends.
  • Take part in exciting activities.
  • Enjoy our Breakfast Clubs.
  • Have fun at playtime.
  • Achieve better qualifications.
  • Build confidence, resilience and perseverance.
  • Hear the Bible every day in assembly.

We encourage all children to attend school regularly and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

If your child is unhappy about coming to school, please speak to their class teacher or another trusted adult. We want to help.

 

Understanding Attendance

Good attendance means being in school at least 95% of the time.

Our attendance guide shows how missed school days can affect a child’s overall attendance throughout the academic year.

  • 100% attendance – Brilliant
  • 95% attendance – Good
  • Below 90% – Phone call from class teacher
  • Below 85% – Meeting with class teacher and attendance champion
  • Below 80% – Meeting with governors

Even a small number of missed school days can make a difference to a child’s overall attendance.

 

Helping Your Child Arrive at School on Time

Small things can make a big difference to getting your child to school on time and ready to learn.

Here are some helpful ways parents and carers can support good attendance:

 

A Good Night’s Sleep

Try to get your child to bed at a reasonable time so they are well-rested for the school day.

Get Organised

Have school uniform and equipment ready the night before.

Plan Ahead

Prepare packed lunches in advance so everything is ready for the morning.

Start the Day Well

A healthy breakfast helps children learn and focus throughout the day.

Stay Positive

A happy and encouraging attitude towards school can help children thrive.

Keep in Touch

We value open and honest communication between home and school. If you have any worries, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Requesting Time Away from School

If you need to take your child out of school, please make an application as soon as possible.

 

When Should My Child Stay Off School?

We understand that children sometimes become unwell, and parents may be unsure whether they should attend school.

The NHS Somerset guidance provides information about common childhood illnesses and when children should remain at home.

Illnesses That Require Time Off School

  • Chickenpox: Until all spots have crusted over.
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting: 48 hours after the last episode.
  • Impetigo: Until lesions have crusted and healed, or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Measles or German measles: 4 days from the onset of the rash.
  • Mumps: 5 days from the onset of swelling.
  • Scabies: Until after the first treatment.
  • Scarlet fever: 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Whooping cough: 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Flu or COVID-19: Until recovered.

Illnesses That Do Not Normally Require Time Off School

According to the guidance, children do not need to stay off school or nursery for the following conditions, but the school or nursery should be informed:

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Glandular fever
  • Hand, foot and mouth
  • Slapped cheek
  • Head lice
  • Threadworms
  • Tonsillitis

 

Requesting Absence During Term Time

If you need to request permission for your child to be absent from school during term time, please complete our Holiday Request Form.

The form asks for:

  • Your child’s details.
  • The proposed dates of absence.
  • The number of school days involved.
  • The reason for the request.
  • Any supporting information.

Holiday requests are submitted for governor approval.

Click here to download our holiday form.

 

Working Together to Support Attendance

At Kingdom Christian School, we value open and honest communication with parents and carers.

If there are any barriers to your child’s attendance, or you have concerns about coming to school, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Together, we can help your child feel happy, confident and ready to learn.