Children’s Attendance Policy

Winston’s Place believes that good attendance is essential, if children are to be settled and take full advantage of the learning and development opportunities available to them at nursery. We believe that continuity and consistency from such a young age are important contributors to a child’s wellbeing and progress.
The aim of the procedure is soley to keep all concerned (children, parents and carers) safe.
This policy reflects the vision and aims of this nursery by:
- Encouraging staff, parents/carers, and children to maximise the learning experience in order that all children reach their full potential
- Providing clear procedures for involving parents/carers relating to the setting attendance
- Ensuring that every child is safeguarded and their right to education is protected
It is the duty of Winston’s Place to ensure that we follow up on all child absences from the first day of absence. This is because nationally there have been tragic cases of children not turning up at nursery because their parent/carer has fallen ill or had a serious accident, with nobody realising for some time and the child is unable to help.
It is the parents’ responsibility to inform the nursery for child’s absence from the first day, this can be done via telephone or the Blossoms App. If we do not have an explanation of absence, we will endeavour to contact you that day. If we fail to make contact within 48 hours, this may result in the setting contacting Children’s Services or the Local Authority.
Attendance data about a child will also be shared with other professionals whom families receive additional support from including Social Care or Early Help.
Any safeguarding concerns which may arise from a concern with regards to attendance will be referred to the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy as per the Safeguarding Policy.
To support good attendance and safeguarding we:
- Ensure the nursery is welcoming and every child feels a sense of belonging
- Ensure the regular, efficient and accurate recording of attendance is completed by the staff each day. This further supports our approach to safeguarding within Winston’s Place.
- Ensure all half terms and bank holidays are given to parents/carers in advance
- Safeguarding is taken seriously, and we will always contact you if you have not made contact with us regarding your child’s absence
Winston’s Place recognises that poor attendance can be an indication of difficulties in a child’s life and their lived experience. Parents/carers should inform the nursery of any difficulties or changes in circumstances that may affect their child’s attendance and/or behaviour in nursery eg bereavement, divorce, separation, incidents of domestic abuse.
The Role of the Staff
The staff within each room mark the children’s attendance when they arrive. If parents/carers have not explained the reason for absence by 10am then it is the responsibility of the key person to inform a member of management.
 
Children’s Attendance Policy
This policy aims to ensure consistent attendance among enrolled children to promote routine, early development, and effective planning of nursery activities. Regular attendance supports children’s emotional security and helps build strong relationships with practitioners and peers.
Winston’s Place believes that good attendance is essential, if children are to be settled and take full advantage of the learning and development opportunities available to them at nursery. We believe that continuity and consistency from such a young age are important contributors to a child’s wellbeing and progress.
This policy applies to all children registered at Winston’s Place, their parents/guardians, and staff responsible for recording and monitoring attendance.
Expectations of Attendance
 Children are expected to attend the nursery on their booked days and times
 Parents are encouraged to establish a consistent routine to support their child’s development
 While we understand absences due to illness, family emergencies, or holidays, frequent unexplained absences may be addressed in line with this policy
Notification of Absence
Parents/guardians must:
 Notify the nursery by 9am on the day of absence
 Inform the nursery of the reason for the absence (e.g. illness, holiday, emergency)
 Notify the nursery in advance of planned absences such as holidays or appointments
Notifications can be made via:
 Telephone:
o Birkenhead- 0151 653 8307
o New Ferry- 0151 641 9574
 Email:
o Birkenhead- winstonsplace@wirralchristiancentre.com
o New Ferry- winstons.nf@wirralchristiancentre.com
 Blossoms App
It is the duty of Winston’s Place to ensure that we follow up on all child absences from the first day of absence. This is because nationally there have been tragic cases of children not turning up at nursery because their parent/carer has fallen ill or had a serious accident, with nobody realising for some time and the child is unable to help.
Illness and Exclusion Periods
Children must remain at home if they are unwell, especially if they have contagious conditions.
Nursery follows NHS guidance in conjunction with our Sickness Policy.
Monitoring Attendance
The nursery will:
 Keep daily attendance registers
 Monitor patterns of absence
 Contact parents/guardians if no notification is received by 10am
Persistent or Unexplained Absence
Where there is ongoing concern:
 A meeting will be arranged with the parent/guardian
 Support will be offered to resolve any underlying issues (e.g. separation anxiety, transportation)
 Continued non-attendance without valid reason may result in a review of the child’s place at the nursery
Late Collections
Late collection (beyond agreed time) will result in late fees as outlined in the ‘Late Collection and Non-Collection of Children’ Policy.
Frequent lateness may prompt a discussion with parents to support punctuality.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Unexplained absences, especially for vulnerable children, will be followed up in line with our Safeguarding Policy. If contact cannot be made with a family, we will notify the Local Authority as appropriate.
Attendance data about a child will also be shared with other professionals whom families receive additional support from including Social Care or Early Help.
Any safeguarding concerns which may arise from a concern with regards to attendance will be referred to the Safeguarding Lead/Deputy as per the Safeguarding Policy.
To support good attendance and safeguarding we:
- Ensure the nursery is welcoming and every child feels a sense of belonging
- Ensure the regular, efficient and accurate recording of attendance is completed by the staff each day. This further supports our approach to safeguarding within Winston’s Place.
- Ensure all half terms and bank holidays are given to parents/carers in advance
- Safeguarding is taken seriously, and we will always contact you if you have not made contact with us regarding your child’s absence