Our School target for 2025/2026 is 95%

Why is Regular School Attendance so Important?

It is vital for children to attend school regularly and punctually to obtain the maximum benefit from school life.

The school’s attendance record is an improving feature and we are always aiming for excellence. If your child is absent from school, please notify us by 9.30am on the first day of absence.

If your child suffers from sickness or diarrhoea, they should not return to school until forty eight hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

If the absence is pre-planned i.e. hospital appointment, please notify us before hand either verbally or in writing. We also require a copy of the appointment letter/card. We work closely with the local authority who closely monitor attendance and we will routinely contact parents if their child’s attendance drops below 95% or persistent lateness is evident.

What we aim to achieve.

Our expectations at Old Road are categorised as follows;

• 100% - Excellent

• 99.9% - 95% - Good

• Below 94.9.9% - Below expectation and needs to improve

Please help to reach our target of 95% by attending school each day and on time.

Please continue to ensure that your child comes to school each day and on time (8.50am-9.00am).
Please inform the school office of any absences either by phone (01554 773822) or via e mail (admin@oldroad.ysgolccc.cymru)

What we need from all our families to help improve punctuality and attendance:

1. If your child is unwell and needs to be off school, please inform us via phone call, leaving a message on the answerphone or emailing the school (admin@oldroad.ysgolccc.cymru). This will prevent us from having to spend time each day making phone calls to find out reasons for absence and ensure your child does not receive unauthorised absence marks. 

2. Please ensure your child/ren are arriving in school between 8.50am – 9.00am ready to start lessons. Breakfast club opens from 8.00am and is free for all learners to attend. Please be very mindful that lateness also affects attendance, so we kindly ask that your child is in school before 9.00am

3. Please try to book family holidays outside of school term time if possible.  Holiday requests will be considered based on the individual attendance of the pupil(s) in question.  Individual pupil attendance below 95% will unfortunately be unauthorised under the guidance of the Schools’ Safeguarding and Attendance Team, Carmarthenshire County Council. 

4. Please try to book any routine dental and doctor appointments after school.  We understand fully that urgent daytime appointments are unavoidable.  Forms are available in the office.

Below School Target.

If your child's attendance falls below our school target, you can expect the Attendance Team to be in touch. 

The intention is to support you in bringing your child's attendance back where it needs to be, however, there is a clear process in place, backed by our Governing Body.

Practice and Procedures.

Clear systems and procedures will govern response to all pupil absence. The school will follow the ‘Procedures for Non Attendance’ flowchart as outlined in the All Wales Attendance Framework (2011).

The school adheres to the descriptors received from ERW.

95-100% attendance Best chance of success Your child is taking full advantage of every learning opportunity.

90-95% attendance At least 2 weeks of learning missed Satisfactory. Your child may have to spend time catching up with work.

85-90% attendance At least 4 weeks of learning missed Your child may be at risk of underachieving and may need extra support from you to catch up with work.

80-85% attendance At least 5 ½ weeks of learning missed Your child’s poor attendance has a significant impact on learning. Below 80% attendance At least 7½ weeks of learning missed Your child is missing out on a broad and balanced education. You are at risk of prosecution.