Attendance
Where Learning Blossoms... Every Day Counts
At Silver Birch Primary School, we believe that every day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow, build friendships and create memories that last a lifetime.
Excellent attendance gives children the very best chance of achieving their potential, developing confidence and benefiting from all the exciting opportunities school life has to offer. Every lesson matters and every day brings something new.
We encourage all pupils to achieve attendance of 96% or above, with the aim that every child attends school every day unless they are genuinely unwell.
Why Attendance Matters
Children who attend school regularly are more likely to:
- Achieve their full academic potential
- Develop positive friendships and social skills
- Build confidence and resilience
- Feel part of the school community
- Enjoy wider opportunities including trips, visits, clubs and special events
- Develop lifelong habits that support future success
When children miss school, they miss valuable learning that cannot always be replaced.
Learning Time Lost
- Half a day absent = 3 hours of learning missed
- 1 day absent = 5 hours of learning missed
- 3 days absent = 15 hours of learning missed
- 1 week absent = 25 hours of learning missed
- 2 weeks absent = 50 hours of learning missed
Even a small number of absences can soon add up and may affect a child's progress and confidence.
We're Here to Help
At Silver Birch Primary School, we understand that sometimes families face circumstances that can affect attendance.
Our approach is supportive, understanding and child-centred. We know that every family is different and we are committed to working together to overcome any barriers that may affect a child's attendance.
If you have concerns about your child's attendance, please speak to us as soon as possible. We may be able to provide support with:
- Emotional wellbeing or anxiety
- Friendship concerns
- Medical needs and health issues
- Family difficulties or challenging circumstances
- Bereavement or significant life events
- Routines and punctuality
- Any other issues affecting attendance
Early communication allows us to work together and put support in place before concerns become more significant.
If attendance becomes difficult for any reason, please talk to us. We are here to listen, help and work alongside families to ensure every child can succeed.
Reporting an Absence
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, parents and carers must notify the school on the first day of absence.
📞 Attendance Line: 0191 5009695
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
📧 Email: office@silverbirchprimary.co.uk
📱 Arbor Parent App: Parents and carers can conveniently report their child's absence directly through the Arbor Parent App.
When contacting school, please provide:
- Your child's name
- Their class
- The reason for absence
- When you expect them to return
We ask that absences are reported as early as possible on each day of absence. If your child remains unwell for more than one day, please keep the school updated regarding their condition and expected return date. If we do not receive notification of an absence, a member of the school team will contact you as part of our safeguarding procedures to ensure your child is safe and accounted for. We may undertake a home visit if we do not hear from you of have a concern.
Understanding Absence
Authorised Absence
An absence may be authorised when there is a genuine and acceptable reason, such as illness, medical appointments or exceptional circumstances agreed by the school.
Only the school can authorise an absence. Parents and carers cannot authorise absence themselves.
Unauthorised Absence
An absence may be recorded as unauthorised when:
- The reason provided is not considered exceptional
- No explanation is provided
- A child is kept off school unnecessarily
- A child arrives too late for registration to receive a mark
- Holidays are taken during term time without exceptional circumstances
- Children are absent for shopping trips, birthdays or looking after others
Holidays During Term Time
We strongly encourage all families to book holidays during the school holiday periods.
Family holidays taken during term time will normally be recorded as unauthorised absence. Schools can no longer authorise leave of absence for the purpose of a holiday.
Leave of absence during term time will only be considered in genuinely exceptional circumstances, and requests must be made in advance using the school's Exceptional Leave of Absence Request Form.
Unauthorised holidays can have a significant impact on a child's education. Children not only miss lessons but also important experiences, discussions, practical activities and opportunities that cannot be repeated.
Fixed Penalty Notices
Silver Birch Primary School follows the guidance and procedures of Sunderland City Council regarding attendance and Penalty Notices. The Local Authority's Code of Conduct ensures that Penalty Notices are issued fairly and consistently across Sunderland. Under the national attendance framework introduced in 2024, a Penalty Notice may be considered where there are 10 sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-school-week period. This can include unauthorised term-time holidays.
However, our priority is always to work positively with families to improve attendance through support, communication and early intervention wherever possible.
Punctuality Matters
The school day begins promptly at 8:45am.
Arriving on time helps children start the day calmly, settle quickly into learning and avoid missing important teaching and activities.
Did You Know?
Missing just 10 minutes of school each day adds up to approximately two weeks of lost learning over the course of a school year.
Late arrivals can be disruptive for both the child and the rest of the class and can impact learning and wellbeing.
Working Together for Success
Good attendance is a partnership between home and school.
By working together, maintaining open communication and addressing concerns early, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
At Silver Birch Primary School, we want every child to be present, engaged and ready to learn because every day offers opportunities that help learning blossom.
