Every school day counts!

• 365 days in a year
• 190 days in a school year
• This leaves 175 days for holidays, shopping and appointments!

At Winchcombe Abbey, we believe that every school day counts. Regular attendance is essential for your child’s learning, wellbeing, and social development. We work in partnership with families to ensure all children have the best possible chance to thrive.

Why Regular Attendance Matters

• Learning & Progress: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve their full potential.
• Friendships & Belonging: Being in school helps children build strong relationships and feel part of our caring community.
• Confidence & Wellbeing: Routine and consistency support emotional development and resilience.

We encourage all families to prioritise attendance and work with us to overcome any barriers.

School Day Timings

Registers will be taken as follows throughout the school day; School use Arbor for its electronic attendance register:

• The morning register will open at 8.45m and be marked by 8.50am. Pupils will receive a late mark (L) if they are not in their classroom by this time. Pupils attending after this time will receive a mark to show that they were on site, but this will count as a late mark (U).
• The morning register will close at 9:15am. Pupils will receive a mark of absence if they do not attend school before this time
• The afternoon register will open at 1:15pm and be marked by 1:20pm. Pupils will receive a late mark (L) if they are not in their classroom by this time
• The afternoon register will close at 1:45pm. Pupils will receive a mark of absence if they are not present

Persistent lateness affects learning and will be followed up by the school.

Reporting Absences

If your child is unwell or unable to attend:

• Please call the school office on 01242602447 before 8.30am each day of absence or email the office team- admin@win.dgat.org.uk.
• Provide a brief reason (e.g. high temperature, vomiting, family emergency).
• For longer absences, medical evidence may be requested.

Where a pupil is absent, and their parent has not contacted the school by the close of the morning register at 9:20am to report the absence, administrative staff will contact the parent by telephone.

Unexplained absences will be followed up as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Term-Time Leave

In line with national guidance, holidays during term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made in writing to the Headteacher. Unauthorised absences may result in a penalty notice issued by the Local Authority.

Monitoring Attendance

We monitor attendance closely and will contact families if:

• Attendance falls below 90% (persistent absence)
• Patterns of lateness or frequent short absences are identified

Our aim is always to work in partnership with families to support improved attendance.

Support & Partnership

We understand that life can be unpredictable. If you're facing challenges—whether health-related, emotional, or practical—please speak to us. We’re here to listen and help.

Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to achieve their full potential.

For support please contact any of the below:

head@win.dgat.org.uk

cmooney@win.dgat.org.uk

sendco@win.dgat.org.uk

jlewis@win.dgat.org.uk

Please see our attendance policy on the website for more details.