Miss School – Miss Out!
Regular attendance is vital if your child is to truly succeed and reach their true potential. Mrs Parnell, Mrs Knight and office staff work very closely with our families and key outside agencies to promote good attendance.
If your child is absent, it is important that you notify school on the first day of their absence (01642 601567). Office staff will contact any parents whose child is absent and have not contacted the office.
We ask our parents to make medical appointments out of school hours, however if this is not possible we will only authorise these appointments on production of an official appointment card or letter.
Holidays or long term leave during term time are not authorised.
Termly certificates are given for 100% attendance.
Termly draws take place for family cinema tickets and other prizes.
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
When does my child need to be in school?
The school bell goes at 8:55am. The register is taken immediately on entry into class. Afternoon school starts at 1:00 p.m.
What happens if my child is late?
Pupils who arrive after registration should report to the school office and will be given a late mark. A series of unauthorised late marks may lead to referral to the Education Attendance Officer.
Does the school need letters explaining my child’s absence or will a phone call do?
We would expect a parent to telephone the school on the first day of absence before 9am. We will telephone you if your child has not arrived in school on time. If we are concerned about aspects of your child’s attendance or punctuality we will contact you to discuss the best way forward. An accumulation of unauthorised absences will lead to a referral to the Attendance Service.
What reasons will the school accept for absences?
- Illness (In cases of recurring absences through illness you may be asked to produce evidence)
- Emergency dental/medical appointment.
(Please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays) - Day of religious observance
- Family bereavement, citizenship
What is unacceptable?
The following absences are unacceptable-visiting relatives, day trips, shopping, birthdays, illness in the family.
Can we take family holidays during term-time?
The government made a decision that no holidays will be authorised during term time. There are 13 weeks of the year when school is closed for holidays.
Is travelling absence authorised?
The T code can only be used when pupils from travelling families are absent due to the parent being engaged in a trade or business of such a nature that requires them to move from place to place. Parents/carers should let the school know in advance when they are going travelling and when they expect to return.
The school will use the appropriate code to record absence for any other reason.
What can I do to encourage my child to attend school?
Make sure your child gets enough sleep and gets up in plenty of time each morning. Ensure that he / she leaves home wearing uniform and properly equipped with packed lunch, swimwear, reading bag etc. Show your child, that you value his / her education. When your child brings homework, please take an interest and ensure it is returned by the correct date. Praise work they bring home and endeavour to attend all parents’ meetings.
My child is trying to avoid coming to school. What should I do?
Contact your child’s class teacher immediately and openly discuss your worries. Your child could be avoiding school for a number of reasons – difficulties with school work, bullying, friendship problems, family difficulties. It is important that we identify the reason for your child’s reluctance to attend school and work together to tackle the problem.