'We were all delighted with your wonderful children, how good they were and how well they participated.'
School Visitor
Attendance at Somerford Primary School Every Day Matters
At Somerford Primary School we believe that good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their full potential.
Children who attend school regularly:
We work closely with families to ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to attend school regularly and enjoy being part of our school community.
Our Attendance Expectations
We want every child to:
Our aim is for all children to achieve attendance of at least 96%.
100% = Outstanding
96% = Expected
90% = Concern
Below 90% = Persistent Absence
Even small amounts of absence can have a significant impact on learning.
| Attendance | Days missed in a year |
| 100% | 0 days |
| 98% | Approximately 4 days |
| 96% | Approximately 8 days |
| 90% | Approximately 19 days |
| 85% | Approximately 29 days |
“90% may sound good, but it means missing nearly four weeks of education across the school year.”
Reporting an Absence
If your child is too unwell to attend school:
You can:
Please provide:
Is My Child Too Ill for School?
Many common childhood illnesses do not require children to stay at home.
Before deciding whether to keep your child off school, please check these useful guides:
Celebrating Good Attendance
At Somerford we believe attendance should be recognised and celebrated.
Children may receive:
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my child is late?
Children arriving after their start time are recorded as late. Registers close at 9.15am. Arrivals after this time are recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session.
What if my child has a medical appointment?
Where possible, appointments should be arranged outside school hours. If an appointment must take place during the school day, please provide evidence to the school office.
What if my child is struggling to attend?
Please contact us as soon as possible. We will work in partnership with you to understand the barriers and agree appropriate support.
Useful Documents