Attendance
"Attendance is a clear strength of the school."
"Leaders work closely with families to understand and overcome barriers to attendance, including for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities."
Ofsted, September 2026
Why attendance matters
Every day at school is a day of learning, growth and connection. When children attend regularly, they build on their knowledge lesson by lesson, develop friendships that support their confidence, and establish positive habits that will serve them for life. Lessons build on one another, so even a small amount of missed school can leave gaps that are hard to close.
At Springcroft we know that illness and genuine emergencies happen. We simply ask all families to make attendance a priority wherever possible, and to talk to us early if something is getting in the way. We're here to help, not to judge.
What absence adds up to over a school year (190 days)
In partnership with Staffordshire County Council
Little Heroes Assemble!
Springcroft is proud to be part of Staffordshire's award-winning Little Heroes campaign, which celebrates children for building great attendance habits. Our little heroes aim to be:
If your child is absent
1. Let us know on the first morning
Please call the school office on 01782 394793 before the start of the school day, giving the reason for absence.
Call the office →2. Keep us updated
If the absence continues, please contact us each day so we know your child is safe, and let us know when they will be back.
Email the office →3. Leave in term time
Leave can only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Please complete a request form well in advance and speak to us first.
Request form in the documents below ↓Is my child too ill for school?
It can be hard to decide. The NHS advises that children with minor illnesses, such as a cough, cold or mild sore throat, can usually still come to school. Keep them at home if they have a high temperature, and for 48 hours after their last bout of sickness or diarrhoea. If you're unsure, give us a ring — we'd always rather talk it through.
Is my child too ill for school?
Clear NHS advice on common illnesses and conditions, from chickenpox and conjunctivitis to head lice, and when your child should stay at home.
Read the guidance → One-page poster (PDF)NHS guidance sheet
A handy one-page summary to print and pop on the fridge for those tricky early-morning decisions.
Download the poster →Help and resources for parents
The Department for Education has produced a series of short, one-minute animations for parents explaining why attendance matters and what support is available.
One-minute attendance animations
Watch the full DfE playlist on YouTube — short, friendly films for parents and carers.
Open the playlist → DfE guide (PDF)The back-to-school reset guide
Practical tips for getting routines back on track — bedtimes, mornings and settling back into school after a break.
Read the guide →How we work with families
Our approach to attendance follows national guidance and is built on partnership. These documents explain the wider picture for anyone who would like to know more.
How schools communicate with parents about attendance
The DfE's guide for schools sets out how we should talk with families about attendance: clearly, supportively and early, so that any barriers can be tackled together before they grow.
RISE attendance and behaviour hubs
RISE attendance and behaviour hubs are a national, school-to-school improvement programme from the Department for Education. Schools with strong practice lead the hubs, helping other schools to reflect on their systems, share what works and improve attendance and behaviour together.
National school attendance information
The government's guidance for parents covers your legal responsibilities, term-time leave and the support available if your child is finding school difficult.