Pikemere School promotes the view that regular attendance is important to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for all of our children. Regular attendance is crucial if pupils are to be successful in school by making positive relationships with others, developing self-confidence and achieving their best in learning. Expect children to be in school, on time, ready to learn. If you have concerns about attendance, please speak to your child's class teacher.

The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly, with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure a regular pattern is maintained. One of our basic principles is to celebrate success. Good attendance is fundamental to a successful and fulfilling school experience. 

All children have the right to an education, and we have put in place appropriate procedures to support this. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school and learning.

All requests for a leave of absence must be made in advance by completion of the school form which can be found under the useful forms section or requested from the school office. All holiday will be unauthorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any unauthorised holiday taken may result in a Fixed Penalty fine for both parents imposed by the Local Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What should I do if my child is absent?
A. Contact the attendance team on the morning of the first day of absence. This is so we can ensure your child’s safety. There are various ways you can contact the team:

• Telephone school on 01270874237 and speak to a member of the office staff.
• Telephone school on 01270874237 and press 1 to leave a message.
• Email admin@pikemere.cheshire.sch.uk
• Notify the office via the School Gateway App.

It is important to contact us on each day of your child’s absence to ensure the safety of your child.
If your child is absent on a number of occasions, the school may ask for medical evidence. This can be a copy of a prescription, an appointment card or a medical letter. This means the school can authorise your child’s absence from school.

Q. What is a good attendance percentage?
A. 96 – 100% (less than 7 days absence in a year) is good attendance. 96% is the national average attendance rate for a child at primary school.

Q. What is poor attendance?
A. Anything below 95% attendance is worrying as your child has less chance of success. It makes it harder for the child to progress if they are missing key learning opportunities.

Q. What will happen if my child’s attendance falls below 95%?
A. Schools monitor pupil attendance every term. You will be sent a letter or invited to an Attendance Meeting at the school.

Q. I need to talk to someone about my child’s attendance / I need support with my child’s attendance. We can help you with this and are able to support you with your child’s attendance. Please contact them via the office on 01270874237.

Here is a useful link:

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/19/fines-for-parents-for-taking-children-out-of-school-what-you-need-to-know/

Q. What is meant by genuine medical reasons to be absent?
A. Diarrhoea, sickness, childhood ailments e.g. measles, chicken pox, extremely high temperatures are genuine illness. Children should not stay home if they have minor coughs, colds, tummy aches and headaches. If your child is too poorly to remain at the school, the school will contact you. Please remember that even absence due to genuine medical reasons still affect a child’s attendance. For more information on whether your child is too ill for school, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/