Child Attendance Policy

Policy Created: 01.03.2025

Policy Reviewed: 01.09.2025

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Purpose

This policy outlines how Cheeky Minds childminding setting manages, records, and monitors children’s attendance in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2024 statutory framework.

Daily Attendance

Attendance is recorded daily at the time of the child’s arrival and departure.
This ensures we maintain accurate records of each child's time in the setting and helps safeguard children by identifying any unexpected absences.

Expectations of Parents/Carers

• Parents/carers must inform us if their child is going to be late or absent, ideally before the contracted start time.

• If a child is absent without notice, we will contact the parent/carer within 30 minutes of the expected arrival time.

• Regular attendance is important for the child’s routine and emotional security.

• Parents must keep us updated on any planned holidays or appointments that may affect attendance.

Absence and Safeguarding

Repeated unexplained absences will be monitored and may be reported to the local safeguarding partners in line with safeguarding procedures.
This is particularly important if we are concerned about a child’s wellbeing or if the child is subject to a Child Protection Plan.

Illness

Children who are unwell should not attend the setting.
Parents are asked to inform us of the nature of the illness and expected return date.
This helps us protect other children and monitor patterns of attendance.

Record Keeping

Attendance records are kept securely and are available for inspection by Ofsted and local authorities if requested.
Records are retained for a minimum of 3 years, in line with EYFS requirements.

Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to the EYFS framework or safeguarding guidance.

Procedures for Unexplained Absence

• I will ensure I follow up on all unexplained absences promptly.

• I will record all absences in the attendance register and monitor this.

• If a child is absent without notification:
  I will attempt to contact parents/carers within 30 minutes of the expected arrival time.

• If there is no response, I will contact emergency contacts within 60 minutes.
  If still no contact and I continue to be concerned, I will contact the police to request a welfare check.

• If a child is absent for a prolonged period, I will:

  • Use professional judgment to assess the situation, considering the child's and family's individual circumstances

  • Monitor for patterns and trends in attendance.

  • Refer any concerns to Local Safeguarding Partners LSP and/or request a police welfare check, if needed.

Data Use and Confidentiality

• Attendance data is kept confidentially in line with GDPR and shared only with relevant parties (e.g., local authority, safeguarding teams).

• Attendance may impact access to childcare funding; persistent absence without valid reasons may result in loss of funded entitlement.