Introduction
LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to fostering a culture that values and promotes excellent
attendance. We recognize that regular attendance in early years is crucial for children's
development, social integration, and academic readiness. Our approach balances high expectations
with supportive interventions to ensure every child can benefit fully from our nursery provision.
We serve children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA), operating from 7:00 AM
to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Consistent attendance helps children build secure relationships and
develop essential early learning skills.
1. Policy Aims
Our Commitment
- Promote excellent attendance through positive reinforcement and nursery culture
- Reduce absence rates, particularly persistent and severe absence patterns
- Ensure every child can access the full early years education they are entitled to
- Identify and address attendance patterns early through supportive interventions
- Build strong partnerships with families to support regular attendance
- Encourage punctuality as an essential life skill from an early age
2. Legal Framework
2.1 Legislative Foundation
This policy meets requirements under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework 2024 and draws
from relevant education legislation including:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Education Act 1996
2.2 Early Years Specific Considerations
While formal school attendance legislation applies from compulsory school age, we maintain high
standards for nursery attendance to ensure children receive maximum benefit from our early years
provision and develop positive habits for future education.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Nursery Management
| Role |
Responsibilities |
| Nursery Manager |
Overall responsibility for policy implementation, monitoring attendance data, supporting
staff with attendance matters, and liaising with families about persistent concerns |
| Deputy Manager |
Day-to-day oversight of attendance procedures, analysis of attendance patterns, and
implementation of support strategies |
| Room Leaders |
Daily monitoring of children in their rooms, initial communication with parents about
attendance concerns, and implementing room-based attendance initiatives |
3.2 Nursery Practitioners
- Accurate daily recording of attendance using correct codes
- Observation and reporting of attendance patterns to Room Leaders
- Positive reinforcement of good attendance with children
- Supporting smooth transitions and arrivals to encourage punctuality
3.3 Parent/Carer Responsibilities
- Ensure children attend nursery regularly according to their booked sessions
- Notify nursery of absence before 9:00 AM on the day of absence
- Provide multiple emergency contact numbers and keep them updated
- Schedule medical appointments outside nursery hours where possible
- Support punctuality by arriving at agreed session times
- Communicate any concerns affecting attendance promptly
4. Attendance Recording Procedures
4.1 Daily Registration
- Attendance registers maintained for all children across all sessions
- Morning registration taken by 9:15 AM
- Afternoon registration taken by 1:30 PM
- All entries maintained for 3 years as per statutory requirements
- Clear audit trail for any amendments to registers
4.2 Reporting Absence
Same Day Notification Required
Parents must contact the nursery by 9:00 AM to report absence:
- Telephone: 024 1234 5678
- Email: attendance@lovespringnursery.co.uk
- In person: Speak to a member of staff
4.3 Authorised Absence Categories
| Category |
Examples |
Documentation |
| Illness |
Child too unwell to attend, contagious conditions |
Parent notification, medical evidence if prolonged |
| Medical Appointments |
Doctor, dentist, hospital appointments |
Appointment card/letter where possible |
| Family Emergencies |
Bereavement, family crisis |
Discussion with nursery management |
| Exceptional Circumstances |
Severe weather, transport failure |
Case by case assessment |
5. Punctuality and Late Arrivals
Importance of Punctuality
Late arrivals can disrupt:
- Morning welcome routines and settling periods
- Group activities and planned learning experiences
- Child's ability to transition smoothly into the nursery day
- Staff-child ratios and planning
5.1 Late Arrival Procedure
- Arrivals after registration closure marked as late
- Persistent lateness triggers supportive discussion with parents
- Individual plans developed for families experiencing regular difficulties
- Focus on solutions and support rather than punitive measures
6. Promoting Excellent Attendance
6.1 Positive Reinforcement
| Initiative |
Description |
Frequency |
| Attendance Stars |
Visual displays celebrating good attendance |
Weekly updates |
| Perfect Attendance Certificates |
Recognition for full term attendance |
End of each term |
| Special Helper Roles |
Children with good attendance given special responsibilities |
Weekly rotation |
| Parent Communication |
Positive feedback about good attendance patterns |
Regular updates |
6.2 Supportive Interventions
Attendance Support Framework
- 95-100% Attendance: Celebration and maintenance
- 90-94% Attendance: Gentle reminders and encouragement
- 85-89% Attendance: Discussion with parents and support planning
- Below 85% Attendance: Intensive support and possible external agency
involvement
7. Managing Persistent Absence
7.1 Early Intervention Strategy
- Initial Concern: Informal chat with parents about attendance pattern
- Developing Plan: Collaborative attendance improvement plan
- Formal Meeting: Structured meeting with nursery management
- External Support: Involvement of early help services if needed
- Review: Regular monitoring and adjustment of support
7.2 Understanding Barriers
- Health concerns or ongoing medical conditions
- Separation anxiety or nursery reluctance
- Family circumstances affecting routine
- Transport or practical difficulties
- Developmental or special educational needs
8. Term-Time Holidays and Leave
Term-Time Leave Policy
We strongly discourage term-time holidays as consistent attendance is crucial in early years
development. Leave will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances after discussion with
nursery management.
8.1 Request Procedure
- Submit written request at least 2 weeks in advance
- Meeting with nursery manager to discuss impact
- Consideration of child's attendance pattern and developmental stage
- Written confirmation of decision provided to parents
9. Monitoring and Review
9.1 Regular Monitoring Schedule
| Frequency |
Activity |
Responsible Person |
| Daily |
Attendance recording and follow-up of unexplained absence |
Room Leaders |
| Weekly |
Analysis of attendance patterns and trends |
Deputy Manager |
| Monthly |
Review of attendance data and intervention effectiveness |
Nursery Manager |
| Termly |
Comprehensive attendance report and policy review |
Management Team |
9.2 Success Indicators
- Overall attendance rate maintained above 95%
- Persistent absence below 5%
- Positive feedback from parents and staff
- Effective early intervention reducing prolonged absence
- Children demonstrating happiness and engagement in nursery
10. Related Policies
Integrated Policy Framework
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
- Behaviour Management Policy
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy
- Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy
- Equality and Diversity Policy
- Parent Partnership Policy
