Parents and guardians are legally required to ensure their children are in school every day. Our attendance target as a school is 95%. It is a target that we aim to exceed.

We as a school aim to be fair and consistent in our Attendance Policy. We will keep parents informed if their child’s level of attendance falls and will write to you if your child’s attendance percentage drops to a level that causes concerns. We have an Education Welfare Officer linked to the school who can meet with any parent who is having difficulty with their child attending school for whatever reason.

A Guide for Parents

When does my child need to be in school?

School starts at 8:50am, gates open at 8.40am and doors close at 8.55am.

What happens if my child is late?

The school will regard punctuality as of the utmost importance.

If your child arrives after the entrance gate has closed your child will miss registration and be marked as late.

If your child arrives after 9:05am he/she will be marked as absent - L Code

Pupils who arrive after registration should report to the school office to sign in and share the reason why they are late. 

Does the school need letters explaining my child’s absence, or will a phone call do?

We expect a parent to telephone the school on the first day of absence and every day their child is absent. If you know your child will be off for longer than one day, please inform the office when you call. If we do not receive an explanation, or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we will not authorise the absence, and this will be shown on your child’s record. The school has an absence line and parents are expected to call before 9:00am. 

What reasons will the school accept for absences?

Illness: If attendance falls below 90%, medical evidence may be required i.e. prescription/GP appointment card for all absences.

Appointment: Where possible, children should attend medical appointments outside of school time or in the school holidays. We understand that sometimes this is not always possible. On these occasions, parents should bring an appointment letter or card to the school office at least one day before a child will be absent from school.

Day of religious observance: The school will take advice from local religious leaders of all faiths to establish the appropriate number of days of absence required for religious festivals. Parents will be required to inform the school in advance if absences are required for days of religious observance.

What is unacceptable?

Term Time Holiday's: Following government legislation, we are unable to authorise requests for holiday during term time. Please be advised that leave of absence in term time is not a right and will only be granted under exceptional circumstances. Each case is considered individually; however, leave will not normally be granted if your child already has low attendance or if the leave coincides with important examinations. You may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecuted in a magistrate's court if unauthorised holiday is taken. 

The headteacher will be only allowed to grant a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances.

• Serious AND sudden illness of a close relative and you must leave in an emergency.

• A one-off, never to be repeated occasion that can only happen at that time, e.g., wedding/funeral.

• Any religious observance.

• A significant educational opportunity afforded to the child by a national organisation e.g., ballet/music exams, filming for a TV commercial.

Applications will be made 4 weeks’ in advance and the headteacher will be satisfied by the evidence, which is presented, before authorising term-time leave.

Any requests for leave during term-time will be considered on an individual basis and the child’s previous attendance record will be considered.

Will the school contact me if my child is absent?

The school operates a first day response to absences: we will phone you if we have not heard from you.  This is because we believe it is our responsibility to ensure your child’s safety as well as their regular school attendance.

If we are concerned about aspects of your child’s attendance or punctuality, we will contact you to discuss the best way forward.