ATTENDANCE

It is essential that all the children in our school attend regularly and on time. It is our expectation that our students will achieve an attendance of at least 95%.  Missed school days are missed opportunities! An attendance of 90% might sound good, but it is actually the equivalent of half a day missed each week.

It is a parental responsibility to ensure that your child is on time for school, attending regularly and that any absence has a valid reason.

ABSENCE THROUGH ILLNESS

When a pupil is absent from school, parents/carers are required to contact the school on the first day of the absence, providing both a reason for the absence and an indication of when the child is likely to be expected to return.  It is important to note that the recording of authorised medical absence will not automatically continue beyond 3 school days without confirmation from you of your child’s continuing ill health.

Parents should note that if their child’s state of health prevents them from attending school on a regular basis or over a prolonged period, a letter or medical certificate from a medical practitioner will be required. Unexplained absences may lead to an investigation by the School Attendance Service. If your child has a particular medical or physical complaint, please ensure that the school is informed, preferably in writing to the Headteacher.

ABSENCE DUE TO FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Absence for family holidays in term time is not authorised as it is felt to negatively impact on a child’s attendance. A child who has 10 days of holiday in term time can only achieve a maximum of 94.7% attendance providing that they have no additional time off school with illnesses.

If you intend to take your child on holiday during term time, it is important, for safeguarding reasons, to let us know and complete a form found in the school office.

We value all our parental support, and thank you in advance for helping us to maintain excellent attendance across the school.

LATENESS

If your child arrives after the register has been called at 8.40am, he/she will be given a late mark.  Should children regularly be late, you will be contacted and asked to bring your child in on time.  It is important that children are on time as lessons start immediately after the register is taken.  Late arrivals will miss the start of a lesson and may disrupt others.  Fortnightly attendance meetings take place with our School Attendance Officer where late marks are tracked.

Children who arrive late for registration, or who leave school during lesson times for medical appointments must inform the school office, so the register can be updated. They should also report to the school office following their return from an appointment.