Attendance

The school takes attendance very seriously. 

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By law, parents whose children are of compulsory school age and registered at school are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school regularly and punctually. If they fail to do this they are guilty of an offence and may be given a penalty notice or prosecuted under section 444 of the Education Act 1996.

The Local Authority set the school attendance targets and we have a link with an Education Welfare Officer, (EWO) who monitors pupil absence.  We ask that parents also take attendance seriously and note the following points:

 

Absence

When a child is absent for whatever reason parents are requested to contact the school office on 01803 863519 before 9.15am.  Unless a reason is given, your child will be given an unauthorised absence.  In the interest of safety, if we do not receive an explanation we will make contact with you on the first day of your child’s absence. We are required by law to mark this in the register.

 

Sickness

Please keep your child at home for 48 hours after an episode of diarrhea and/or vomitting.  Children who are absent from school for more than 3 days will be asked to provide an appointment card/prescription indicating that a medical professional has been seen.  In light of safeguarding procedures parents must inform the school everyday of the reason for their child’s continuing absence.  

 

Medical Appointments

Please endeavour to make all medical appointments out of school hours.  If this is not possible, children should attend for registration so that they do not get a half day absence.  Please confirm this information with a note or message to the School Office in advance and provide a photograph of your child's appointment card/letter.  This paperwork can be taken to the School Office if more convenient.

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Schools Alert Procedures

Attendance will be closely monitored on a daily basis.  Where we have concerns, parents will be asked to attend a meeting with the Class and Headteacher where a plan of support will be put in to place for the family.  If attendance does not improve then the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) will be informed which could result in the prosecution process being instigated. 

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Holidays during Term Time

No holidays are authorised during term time except in exceptional circumstances which will be considered in line with guidance.  Any holidays taken will be recorded as unauthorised.  Please see the S2 Form Request for Absence.  Children must attend school at all times unless they are unwell. 

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Late attendance

All children who are late (after the close of registration) also have a half a day absence, which is unauthorised. Registers close at 9.15am.  Frequent lateness can add up to a considerable amount of learning lost and can obviously disadvantage your child.  Being late means that your child is not settled at the start of the day, they miss the first part of the lesson and they can feel excluded from friendship groups.