Being Here Matters

At Captain Shaw's, we want children to want to come to school.

Good attendance begins with making school a place where children feel safe, known, included and excited to learn. We work closely with children and families to provide a rich education, strong relationships and the right support so that every child can belong, participate, achieve and flourish.

Being in school regularly matters. It enables children to learn, build friendships, develop confidence and independence, take part in the wider life of the school and experience all the opportunities our curriculum provides.

Our expectation is therefore simple: children should attend school every day and on time unless there is a good reason why they cannot.

When Your Child Cannot Attend

We know that children sometimes become ill or there are circumstances which mean they genuinely cannot attend school.

If your child is going to be absent unexpectedly, please telephone the school office on 01229 718279 before 8.45am, or as soon as practically possible. Please tell us why your child is absent and, if possible, when you expect them to return.

If the absence continues, please keep us updated each day.

If we haven't heard from you, we will contact you. This is an important part of our safeguarding procedures and helps us make sure that every child is safe. These arrangements are consistent with our Attendance Policy.

When Attendance Becomes Difficult

Sometimes there is more behind absence than simply being unwell.

Children and families can experience barriers connected with physical or mental health, SEND, family circumstances, transport, anxiety or other difficulties.

If getting your child into school is becoming difficult, please talk to us early.

Our starting point is to listen, understand and work with you. Together, we will consider what is making attendance difficult and what support, adaptations or reasonable adjustments might help.

We maintain high expectations for every child, but recognise that some children may need different support to achieve them. Our policy specifically commits us to understanding individual needs, working in partnership with families and making appropriate adjustments where children experience barriers to attendance.

Being on Time

Arriving on time helps children settle into school calmly, begin the day alongside their friends and make the most of their learning.

We understand that occasionally things happen and families may be late. Where lateness begins to become a pattern, we will talk with you to understand what is happening and work together to improve punctuality.

Medical and Dental Appointments

Where possible, please arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside school hours.

We recognise that this isn't always possible. If your child has an appointment during the school day, please let the school office know in advance. Your child should miss the minimum amount of school necessary and return to school afterwards where appropriate.

Leave During Term Time

Schools can only grant leave of absence during term time in the circumstances permitted by the School Attendance Regulations.

If you need to request leave during term time, please contact the school and complete a Leave of Absence Request Form as far in advance as possible.

Where a request involves exceptional circumstances, the Headteacher will consider it individually, taking account of the particular facts, circumstances and context. Family holidays would not normally meet the criteria for authorised leave.

Working Together

We have high expectations for attendance because being part of school matters.

We also recognise that absence can sometimes be a sign that a child or family needs help. Where we have concerns, our first response is therefore to talk, listen and understand what is getting in the way.

We will work with children, families and, where appropriate, other professionals to find ways forward. Where unauthorised absence becomes persistent, there are also statutory attendance procedures which schools and local authorities are required to follow.

Our aim is not simply to improve a number. It is to help every child access their education, belong to their school community and have the opportunity to flourish.

For further information, please see:

Our Attendance Policy at the bottom of this page.
School Times and Term Dates: please click here.
Cumberland Council – School Attendance: please click here.
Contact us directly: please click here.