School attendance is incredibly important for all our pupil’s academic, social, and emotional development. Research shows that for a child who attends school regularly they have better social skills, adjust more easily to the school environment, and develop a stronger connection to their community. There is also a direct link between school attendance and academic progress and outcomes.

We focus on building pupil’s engagement in school through a relevant and motivating curriculum with strong relationships between pupils and staff. We value the importance of peer support to boost connections within our school. Our aim is to make all pupils feel included in their learning which will build on their enjoyment in attending school.

At Wayfield, we will always contact you if your child is not in school and we have not been informed as to why. Home visits will be made by the Attendance Team or other members of staff as appropriate. We understand that on occasions illness or other circumstances may sometimes prevent attendance, and, in these cases, it is the responsibility of the parent/carer to inform the school of the reason for the absence.

Here are some key reasons why we want to see your child at Wayfield!

1. Builds Strong Foundations for Learning

Regular attendance ensures your child doesn’t miss out on essential lessons and skills. Each day builds on the last, so missing school can create gaps in understanding that are hard to catch up on.

2. Supports Academic Success

There is a strong link between good attendance and high achievement. Pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in their ongoing class work and assessments which help to develop a positive attitude toward learning.

3. Encourages Positive Habits

Attending school every day helps your child to develop lifelong habits such as responsibility, time management, and a strong work ethic—skills that are valuable throughout their lives as they move through Wayfield and beyond.

4. Fosters Friendships and Social Skills

School is not just about academics—it’s also where your child builds friendships, learns to work with others, and develops important social and emotional skills.

5. Promotes Wellbeing and Belonging

Being part of the Wayfield school community helps your child to feel connected and supported. Regular attendance contributes to a sense of routine, stability, and belonging.

6. Prepares for the Future

Good attendance habits set the tone for future success in further education and employment, where reliability and commitment are key.

What can you do as parents/carers to support your child’s attendance?

A supportive and nurturing home environment is key to consistent school attendance. By school staff working alongside families to promote the value in education, it means we are working together to give every child the best opportunity in life. Parents/carers can support with their child’s attendance by:

1. Establish routines. Ensuring your child has a regular bedtime and morning routine makes attending school seamless rather than a battle.

1. Being involved. By taking an active interest in your child’s school day and activities children are then motivated to participate fully. This also shows your child the value of education.

1. Health issues. We understand that medical issues and appointments happen, and we ask that where possible these appointments are made outside of school hours. Where this is not possible, please communicate fully with the school so we can work together.

1. Academic pressure. Whilst we know all parents/carers want the best for their child and having high expectations is beneficial, however, excessive pressure can cause anxiety and avoidance. Developing a supportive and balanced home environment can prevent this.

1. Seek help when needed. If there is a concern around your child’s attendance, then working alongside the school and outside agencies linked to Wayfield means we can provide additional assistance and resources where needed.

Please find our Attendance Policy here:

School Day Times information- 

School Start- 8:30am promptly*

Gates will open at 8:30am 

Gates will close at 8:40am

All pupils from Reception upwards enter the school from the main gate.

All Nursery pupils enter the school via the alleyway gate. 

School Finish- 3.30pm and 3pm on a Friday*

Please note that school finishes at 2pm on the last day of every term. 

*Nursery timings are subject to individual sessions. 

Typical Week at Wayfield-

Monday and Thursday- 7 hours a day 

Friday- 6 hours & 30 minutes

Weekly Hours- 34 hours & 30 minutes