At Everton Heath Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils attend regularly. Good attendance is closely linked to achievement, and our target is for every child to maintain an attendance rate of 97% or above.
Our Trust employs an Education Welfare Officer, who works closely with pupils and families to resolve attendance issues.
- In most cases, early support is successful.
- If attendance does not improve, the EWO has a legal role and may issue Penalty Notices or pursue prosecutions in the Magistrates Court.
- Rachael can be contacted via the school reception.
By working together, we can ensure that every child enjoys their learning, stays healthy, and achieves their full potential.
We follow Public Health England guidance to help reduce the spread of infection:
- If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, they must remain at home for 48 hours after the last episode and until they are well.
- This applies even if symptoms seem mild, as infections can spread easily among children and staff.
- If your child becomes unwell at school, we will ask you (or your emergency contact) to collect them. They should not return for 48 hours.
Example: If your child is sick at lunchtime on Tuesday, they should not return until after lunch on Thursday, provided there are no further symptoms.
Parents have a legal duty to ensure children aged 5–16 attend school regularly.
- Unauthorised absences, including holidays, may result in a penalty notice issued by the school or the Local Authority.
- Decisions about prosecution are made only by the Local Authority, not the school.
- Schools must refer cases of regular absence (authorised or unauthorised) to the Local Authority, along with evidence of support offered to families.
If your child is unable to attend school:
- Please contact us each day of absence by calling 01767 680534 or emailing office@evertonheath.org.uk.
The Department for Education is clear: schools may only authorise planned term‑time absence in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a funeral of a close relative or a medical appointment).
- Term‑time holidays cannot be authorised.
- If you plan to request absence for an exceptional reason, please complete an Exceptional Leave Request Form (available at reception).