Attendance At Queen Victoria Primary School
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we believe that regular attendance is essential for children’s learning, development and wellbeing. We work closely with families to ensure every child has the best opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
Our school attendance target is 96%, and achieving this is a shared responsibility between school and home. We keep parents informed of our attendance performance through school-gate updates, the website and newsletters, so we can work together to support good attendance for all.
Importance of Regular Attendance
- Why School Attendance Matters
- Regular school attendance is essential for children’s learning, development and future success.
- Better learning and achievement: Children who attend school every day are more likely to keep up with lessons, do well in assessments and achieve their full potential.
- Building knowledge and skills: Every school day counts. Missing school means missing important learning that is difficult to replace.
- Social development: School helps children build friendships, confidence and vital social skills by learning alongside their peers.
- Routine and responsibility: Attending school every day helps children develop good routines, punctuality and responsibility for the future.
- Stronger teacher support: Regular attendance allows teachers to know children well, offer personalised support and address any gaps in learning early.
- Avoiding learning gaps: Frequent absence can make it harder for children to catch up, leading to ongoing difficulties with learning.
- Wider opportunities: Children who attend regularly are more likely to take part in clubs, sports and enrichment activities.
- Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school every day the school is open, unless their child is too unwell to attend. When this happens, it is important to inform the school promptly so absences can be recorded correctly. The school, via the local authority, can fine parents for the unauthorised absence of their child from school, where the child is of compulsory school age.
- Our Attendance Officer, Mrs Halford, is available to support families and offer guidance if there are any concerns or challenges around attendance. We are always here to help.
Attendance Rewards and Incentives
We celebrate good attendance and encourage all children to be Here, Every day, Ready and On time.
- Weekly rewards include the Highest Class Attendance Cup, Attendance Hero board for children with 96%+ attendance, and our Attendance Crown / Spin the Wheel rewards for classes achieving 96% or above.
- Termly rewards include tuck shop vouchers for improved or 100% attendance and Attendance Star badges for 98%+ attendance (Bronze, Silver and Gold). All star winners are entered into a family meal prize draw.
- Additional incentives such as MUFTI days, raffles or special events may be introduced during times when attendance typically dips, particularly around holidays.
Arriving at School on Time
Being on time for school is very important. Arriving late can disrupt your child’s learning and may affect their confidence.
The school site opens at 8:30am.
Children should arrive between 8:30am and 8:50am.
The school gates close at 8:50am, which is when the school day officially begins.
What happens if my child is late?
If your child arrives after 8:50am but before the register closes, they will be marked as late.
If your child arrives after the register has closed, they will be marked as absent.
Children who arrive after 8:50am must enter school through the main reception. The adult bringing them will be asked to complete a late slip, which records the arrival time and the reason for lateness.
Thank you for helping us ensure every child is Here, Every day, Ready and On time.
Reporting an Unplanned Absence
If your child is unable to attend school unexpectedly, please inform the school on the first day of absence by 8:50am, or as soon as possible.
You can report your child’s absence in any of the following ways:
Telephone the main school office on 01384 888970, select option 2 to use the dedicated absence line. This is a recorded message, so please clearly state your child’s name, class and the reason for absence.
Telephone the Attendance Officer on 01384 888970.
Email: absences@queen-vic.dudley.sch.uk (monitored throughout the school day).
Speak to a senior leader on the school gates if you are bringing siblings to school. The Family Support Worker is usually available at this time, or you can speak to a member of staff in the main school office.
It is important that a reason for absence is provided. Any absence that is not explained will be followed up and treated as a safeguarding concern.
Queen Victoria Primary School: By The Numbers
Explore our school by the numbers: Proudly educating our pupils, supported by dedicated staff, serving countless families, and enriching our community for over a century.
