Attendance is a huge focus at Shakespeare Primary. We are so incredibly proud of what your children achieve every day and it is our mission to ensure All Achieve Greatness.

We want all children to understand the value of good attendance and to strive to have this through developing or maintaining healthy attendance habits which when learnt young, will stand them in good stead for the rest of their school career and working life.

Attendance and punctuality is crucial for ensuring your child reaches their full potential whilst here at Shakespeare Primary School. We appreciate all the support you give us to ensure your child arrives on time and ready to learn. 

If your child is unwell, please call the school office on 01752 312048 and leave a message. You should call in the morning and on each day of the absence. 

If your child has been ill with sickness or diarrhoea, they should not return to school for at least 48 hours after the last episode of sickness/diarrhoea. 

If your child has a medical appointment, please let the office know as soon as possible and where necessary, provide a copy of the appointment letter. If the appointment is in the morning and your child requires a school lunch to be ordered, please inform the school of your child's preferred lunch option for that day. 

The table below indicates how what might seem like just a few days absence can result in children missing a significant number of lessons.

Holidays 

We have recently seen an increase in the number of families taking holidays during term time. We recognise that it is often expensive to take a holiday during school breaks and that is why some parents may ask for term time leave for their children. However, it is important that parents carefully consider the implications of taking their child out of school during term time.

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 came into force on the 1 September 2013. The amendments make it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you choose to take your child out of school for a holiday during term time which has not been authorised, you may be liable for a fine from Plymouth City Council.

For further information on penalty notices from Plymouth City Council please visit Penalty notices for absence from school | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK