Attendance & Punctuallity
Our Commitment to Attendance
At Whiston Willis Primary Academy, we recognise that regular attendance and punctuality are essential to children's learning, wellbeing and development. We are committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and supported to attend school regularly.
As an Inclusive Attendance school and a Rights Respecting School, we recognise the importance of positive relationships, early intervention and working collaboratively with families to identify and overcome barriers to attendance.
We understand that individual circumstances, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), medical conditions and emotional wellbeing, can affect attendance. Our approach prioritises understanding, appropriate support and reasonable adjustments while maintaining high expectations for all pupils.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the academy before 8:30am on the first day of absence, providing the reason.
Parents and carers should keep the school informed of any continued absence and ensure that contact details remain up to date.
Where an absence has not been reported, the school will contact parents/carers to establish the reason and ensure the child's safety.
Punctuality
The school day begins at 8:40am, and all children are expected to arrive on time and ready to learn.
The morning register closes at 9:10am. Children arriving after this time will normally be recorded as having an unauthorised absence for the morning session, unless another statutory attendance code applies.
Supporting Attendance
We monitor attendance regularly and work closely with parents and carers to identify concerns and provide appropriate support.
Where barriers to attendance arise, we may offer individualised support, reasonable adjustments or work with Wade Deacon Trust, Knowsley Council and other relevant professionals.
We encourage families to contact us at the earliest opportunity if they need support with their child's attendance.
Term-Time Leave
Family holidays should be arranged during school holidays wherever possible.
In accordance with statutory guidance, leave of absence during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made in advance and will be considered individually.
Unauthorised absence may result in further action in accordance with national attendance requirements and Knowsley Council's procedures.
Attendance Policy
Our full Attendance Policy outlines our attendance expectations, procedures for managing absence, support available to families and statutory responsibilities.
For further information or support, please contact the academy office.
