Attendance

Every Day Matters

At Holycroft, we know that regular attendance is essential for children’s learning, wellbeing and safety. Every day in school builds knowledge, confidence, friendships and routines that help children thrive.

We believe that:

  • Children learn best when they attend school consistently
  • Good attendance is a safeguarding priority
  • Strong routines support learning, behaviour and wellbeing
  • Attendance is a shared responsibility between home and school

We work in partnership with families to promote good attendance and punctuality. Our approach is supportive and proactive — we aim to identify concerns early, understand barriers, and work together to put help in place.

What we ask of families

  • Ensure your child attends school every day, on time, unless they are genuinely unwell. Please remember that early morning aches and pains often pass, so don’t keep your child at home ‘just in case’ when they could be learning in class. We would not keep a child in school if they are genuinely ill and will contact parents if we feel they need to go home
  • Communicate promptly with school about absences. For Medical and Dental appointments, we would strongly advise you to request them outside of school time unless absolutely necessary. We will need to take a copy of your child’s appointment card or letter to authorise this absence. 
  • Avoid taking holidays during term time, as these have a significant impact on learning. 

How we support attendance

  • Strong relationships that help children feel they belong
  • Clear expectations that are communicated consistently
  • Early support where attendance patterns begin to cause concern
  • Partnership working with families and external services when needed

We are committed to working with families to support excellent attendance because every day in school matters. If you are experiencing difficulties that may affect your child's attendance, please contact us as early as possible so that we can work together to provide support.

We want every child to be in school, on time, feeling safe, confident and ready to learn - because every day really does count.

 

Term-Time Holidays and Leave of Absence

At Holycroft, we understand that families may occasionally wish to take holidays or visit relatives during term time. However, regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve well, develop friendships, and feel part of the school community.

Research shows that even short periods of absence can have a significant impact on children's learning. Lessons build on previous learning, and time away from school can make it harder for children to keep up academically and socially.

For this reason, national regulations state that Headteachers may only authorise leave of absence during term time in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays, travel arrangements and visits to relatives would not normally be considered exceptional.

If you believe there are exceptional circumstances, you should complete a Term-Time Child/children Absence Request Form before making any travel arrangements. Applications are considered individually, taking into account the information and evidence provided.

Penalty Notices

In line with national guidance and Bradford Council procedures, unauthorised term-time leave may result in a Penalty Notice being issued to each parent for each child. The current penalty is:

  • £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
  • £160 per parent, per child if paid between 22 and 28 days

Where a child is absent from school for 20 or more school days without permission, Bradford Council may decide to prosecute without first issuing a Penalty Notice. If found guilty, parents could face a fine of up to £2,500 per child, per parent, a criminal record, and in rare cases, a custodial sentence of up to 3 months.