Every day in school counts. When children attend regularly, they benefit not only from their learning but also from the friendships, routines and sense of belonging that help them thrive. Even occasional absences can have a significant impact. Lessons build on previous learning and missing just a few days can make it harder for children to keep up and feel confident in class.

We need your support. Every school day matters and every parent can make a difference. By ensuring your child attends regularly and arrives on time, you are giving them the very best chance to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. 

We recognise that children will sometimes be unwell and should stay at home when necessary. However, where possible, we ask parents to prioritise attendance and avoid taking holidays during term time. Improving attendance is something we can only achieve through a strong partnership between school and home.

We appreciate that it can be difficult to decide whether illness is severe enough to warrant absence from school, and so we would like to take this opportunity to share the NHS guidance on when to stay at home. We ask that all members of the school community follow this guidance, to help to reduce the spread of infectious disease:

• It is fine for pupils and staff to attend school with mild symptoms, such as a cold or intermittent cough.
• Anyone with more severe symptoms, such as a persistent cough or fever, should stay home and rest until symptoms subside.
• Anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay at home until a full 48 hours has passed since the last episode. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
• If your child is diagnosed with a specific infectious disease, such as chickenpox or measles, please contact the school office (info@northdowns.surrey.sch.uk) for advice on recommended periods of absence.

If your child is absent, please notify the school as soon as possible by emailing attendance@northdowns.surrey.sch.uk or by leaving a message on the absence line.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that every child has the best possible opportunity to learn, achieve and flourish.