Attendance

If you are experiencing difficulties with attendance or punctuality, please do call in for an informal chat with Mrs Fawcett.

Please see our school attendance policy for further details.

WHY IS GOOD ATTENDANCE IMPORTANT?
Regular attendance at school where a child is on roll is a legal requirement – this is vital if your child is to benefit fully from their education
Every day a child is absent they miss important lessons
It is very easy to fall behind with work, but very difficult to catch up

Poor attendance affects test results and progress made

WHY IS GOOD PUNCTUALITY IMPORTANT?
Arriving late at school means children miss a vital part of their lessons
Arriving late prevents your child from being involved in an important part of socialising with their peer group
Arriving late means your child will miss the teacher’s instructions for the lesson
Arriving late causes disruption to the whole class
Children are very often embarrassed and upset, at coming into class late
10 minutes late a day = Almost a hour of lessons missed each week which over the year adds up to nearly 2 whole weeks of schooling

WHAT IS AN AUTHORISED ABSENCE?
Pupil’s personal absence due to illness
Medical appointments (appointment letters to be shown to the office staff)
Family bereavement
Religious festival

WHAT IS AN UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE?
Illness of any family member
Days off for birthdays
Shopping excursions for shoes/clothes etc
Any other time that has not had prior approval
Lateness after 9.30am will be classed as unauthorised without prior clearance

IN CASES OF ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
Parents should:
Telephone school 01613301280 on the first day of absence before 8.30am
Keep school informed if more than one day’s absence is necessary
Any absence relating to illness of 5 days or more should be supported by medical evidence
Avoid medical appointments in school time, but if absolutely necessary, please bring your child to school for the remainder of the day
Speak to the class teacher who will be able to provide you with work for your child if appropriate

We are required to produce statistics concerning absences.  The school works within DfE guidance on attendance  and requests for absence unless for exceptional circumstances will not be granted. Thus holidays in term time will not be authorised and could result in a fine. Absence due to exceptional circumstances must be addressed in writing to the headteacher. The headteacher and governors will determine whether the circumstances are exceptional. Any absences not justified or approved in one of the ways detailed above may be investigated by the Education Welfare Officer.

Please remember where attendance is a concern we will work closely with parents, backed up by our Education Welfare Officer, and give as much support and advice as possible.