Believe • Belong • Become

Being in school helps children build friendships, grow in confidence and make the most of their learning. We want every child to feel that they belong at Woolton and look forward to coming to school.

We aim for attendance of 97% or above, while recognising that children sometimes need time away because they are genuinely unwell.

Reporting your child’s absence

Please telephone the school office on 0151 428 3066 by 8:30am if your child cannot attend.

Please tell us:

• Your child’s name and class.
• The reason for their absence, including symptoms if they are unwell.
• When you expect them to return, if known.

Please contact us each day your child is absent, unless you have agreed a different arrangement with school.

If your child is absent and we have not heard from you, we will contact you to check that they are safe. Please keep your contact details up to date and respond promptly to messages from school.

Is my child too ill for school?

It can sometimes be difficult to decide whether your child is well enough to attend.

Children with a mild cough, cold or runny nose can usually attend if they otherwise feel well and do not have a high temperature.

Children who have been vomiting or have diarrhoea should stay at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode.

For advice about other illnesses, please visit:
NHS: Is my child too ill for school?

Finding school difficult?

If your child is worried about school, has ongoing health needs or is finding attendance difficult, please speak to us early.

Contact Mrs Lynne Wasley, our Attendance Officer, through the school office, or speak to your child’s class teacher. We will listen, work with you to understand what is happening and agree appropriate support. This may include adjustments for children with SEND or physical or mental health needs.

Appointments and arriving on time

Please arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside school hours wherever possible. Where this is not possible, let the office know in advance and arrange for your child to attend before or after the appointment where appropriate.

Arriving on time helps children settle calmly and take part in learning from the start. If your child arrives late, please bring them to the school office so that we can register them safely.

Holidays and other planned absence

Please arrange family holidays during school holidays.

Leave during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Requests should be made to the Headteacher in advance, before making arrangements. Unauthorised absence may result in action by the local authority, including a penalty notice.

Please read our Attendance Policy for full details.