At Derryhale Primary School, we believe that good attendance and punctuality are essential for children to achieve their full potential and to develop positive habits for life. 

The Importance of Regular Attendance

Children make the best progress when they attend school regularly and arrive on time. Consistent attendance helps pupils to:

• Build confidence and positive relationships with staff and classmates.
• Develop good learning habits and routines.
• Keep up with classwork and new learning experiences.
• Participate fully in school activities, educational visits and special events.
• Achieve their academic potential.

Frequent absences can result in children missing important learning opportunities and can make it more difficult for them to maintain progress.

The Importance of Punctuality

The school day begins promptly, and children should arrive in good time to settle into their classrooms before lessons start. Arriving late can:

• Cause unnecessary worry for children.
• Disrupt teaching and learning for the class.
• Result in missed instructions and learning activities.
• Impede a child's confidence and readiness to learn.

At Derryhale, the side gate opens at 8:30am. The side gate is closed at 8:45am and any pupil arriving after this time will be registered as late.

Working Together

We recognise that from time to time children may be absent due to illness or exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers should notify the school using the school app if a child is unable to attend school.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents, carers and external agencies where necessary to promote excellent attendance and to support families in overcoming any barriers to regular school attendance.

Our Aim

At Derryhale Primary School, we strive to ensure that every child:

• Feels happy, safe and valued in school.
• Attends regularly and punctually.
• Develops positive attitudes towards learning.
• Benefits fully from all the opportunities that school life provides.

By working together, we can help every child grow, learn and flourish in keeping with our school motto:

"Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow."