Attendance FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that families may have questions about attendance, illness, appointments and school procedures. Below are some of the questions we are commonly asked.

If you cannot find the information you need, please contact Mrs Moody or the school office—we are always happy to help.

What should I do if my child is ill?

Please contact the school office before 8:30am on the first day of absence and provide a reason for the absence.

📞 01246 414569

📧 enquiries@lenthall.derbyshire.sch.uk

If your child remains absent for more than one day, please continue to keep us informed.

How do I know whether my child is too ill for school?

Many minor illnesses, such as coughs and colds, do not prevent children from attending school.

If you are unsure, we recommend checking the NHS guidance:

Is My Child Too Ill For School?

This can help parents make informed decisions about attendance and illness.

What happens if my child's attendance begins to fall?

If attendance begins to decline, we will contact you early so that we can:

✅ Discuss any concerns

✅ Understand barriers to attendance

✅ Offer support where appropriate

✅ Work together to improve attendance

Our approach is supportive and aims to provide help before attendance becomes a significant concern.

What is Persistent Absence?

A child is classed as Persistently Absent (PA) when their attendance falls below 90%.

At this stage, school will work closely with families to identify barriers, provide support and develop strategies to improve attendance.

Will I get into trouble if my child's attendance falls below 90%?

Not necessarily.

Our first priority is always to provide support and understand the reasons behind attendance concerns.

We will:

👂 Listen

💡 Understand

🤝 Support

📈 Improve

⭐ Help children thrive

Formal processes are only considered when support has been offered and attendance concerns continue.

What support can school provide?

We offer a wide range of support including:

🌞 Breakfast Club

❤️ Emotional Wellbeing Support

🌱 SEND Support

🤝 Early Help

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Support

📋 Attendance Action Plans

🏫 Attendance Champion Meetings

Many attendance difficulties can be improved through early conversations and tailored support.

My child is anxious about coming to school. What should I do?

Please contact us as soon as possible.

The earlier we understand what may be causing the anxiety, the sooner we can work together to provide support.

We have a range of strategies available and will develop an individual approach based on your child's needs.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

The Department for Education expects holidays to be taken during school holiday periods wherever possible.

Requests for leave of absence during term time must be submitted in advance using the school's Leave of Absence Request Form.

The Headteacher may only authorise leave in exceptional circumstances.

What should I do if my child has a medical appointment?

Please notify the school office in advance.

Where possible, medical appointments should be arranged outside school hours.

If an appointment takes place during the school day, we encourage children to attend before or after the appointment whenever possible.

How can I support my child's attendance?

You can help by:

✅ Establishing good bedtime and morning routines

✅ Arriving at school on time each day

✅ Encouraging positive attitudes towards school

✅ Communicating any concerns early

✅ Working in partnership with school

✅ Seeking support when difficulties arise

Small, consistent routines often make a big difference.

Who can I contact if I need help?

Mrs Kerry Moody

Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Champion