Attendance and Absence
Pupil Attendance
Each day at school represents a valuable opportunity for students to engage learn and grow. Regular attendance not only fosters consistent learning but also instils a sense of responsibility, discipline and a commitment to one's education. We place great emphasis on the significance of attendance and encourage every student to be present and actively participate in their education journey.
What do I do if my child is unwell?
If your child is unwell, please call the school on 01264 352060 or email the school on [email protected] as soon as possible on the first day of and every day of absence until their return to school.
PORTWAY JUNIOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 2023-2024 (Whole School)
Full Year Attendance: 96%
Full Year Auth. Absent: 2.7%
Full Year Unauth. Absent: 1.4%
The Law on School Attendance
The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, and any special educational need they may have. It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education either attendance at a school or education otherwise than at a school.
When parents decide to have their child registered at school, they have an additional legal duty to ensure their child attends that school regularly. This means their child must attend every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence in advance from the school.
Good attendance at school is important. Statistics show a direct link between high achievement and attendance above 95%. Regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically, this enables them to find school routines, school work and friendships easier to cope with.
In turn, this means that pupils find learning more satisfying and are more successful in transferring from primary to secondary school. Attendance of more than 95% through primary school and secondary school has a direct impact on pupils' achievement at GCSE standard.
Term Time Absence
Absence during term time is not authorised unless in exceptional circumstances. Term times are for education; this is the priority. If an event can reasonably be scheduled outside of term time, it will not be authorised. Absence during term time for holidays is therefore not considered an exceptional circumstance. Absences to visit family members are also not granted during term time if they could be scheduled for holiday periods or outside of school hours.
- Absence for a bereavement of a close family member is usually considered an exceptional circumstance but for the funeral service only, not extended leave.
- Absence for important religious observances are often taken into account but only for the ceremony, not extended leave.
- Should you require leave of absence during term time, please complete the yellow form available from the school office.
If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to be at school, either call the office who will be more than happy to advise or follow the links below for advice:
Quick reference Attendance Info
Attendance Resources
Attendance Guidance for Parents & Carers 
Worried my child is unwell Information, Medical Forms and Absence Request
Pharmacy First
We'd like to introduce Pharmacy First. This service enables patients to be referred to, or walk into, a community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent medicine supply. The link to the Pharmacy First webpage is HERE.
The new service was launched in January 2024 and enables community pharmacies to provide treatment for common medical conditions. There are five conditions that commonly affect children that are included in the service.
Vaccinations
While children can build up some immunity to flu, the virus constantly changes and our body’s immune system cannot keep up with this change, so immunity is only temporary. The best way for children to have maximum protection is by taking up the offer of the free vaccine, which for most children is offered as a painless nasal spray dose.
Healthier Together
We also want to promote the Healthier Together app which is a great source of information for parents and carers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The app, which can be easily downloaded (see Home :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk), provides parents and carers with information to help keep their child safe and healthy, as well as helping them decide what to do when their child is unwell.
See the PDFs below for more information.
Questionnaire for Parents
Administration of Medicines Consent Form
Individual Healthcare Plan