A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

1. When does my child need to be in School?

Your child should be at school by 8:50 a.m. (but not before 8:40 a.m.) to be ready to go into class at 8:50am. A late mark is given from 9am. Register closes at 9:10am and absence is then recorded. Afternoon school starts at 1:00 p.m.

2. What happens if my child is late?

Registration closes at 9.10 in the morning and 1.20 in the afternoon.

Pupils who arrive after registration should report to the school office.

A series of unauthorised late marks may lead to referral to the EWO (Education Welfare Officer).

3. 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. We will telephone you if your child has not arrived in school by 9:30 a.m. On return to school, a letter explaining the absence is expected. If we do not receive an explanation, or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we will not authorise the absence.

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 Educational Welfare Service.

4. What reasons will the school accept for absences?

• Illness
• Emergency dental/medical appointment. (Please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays)
• Day of religious observance
• Family bereavement
• Family holidays in exceptional circumstances (only when prior approval has been given)

Except in the case of illness, you should ask for permission for your child to miss school well in advance, giving full details. In cases of absences through illness you may be asked to produce a medical certificate.

5. What is unacceptable?

The school will not authorise absences other than those in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays, day trips, shopping or birthdays are not classed as exceptional.

6. Can we take family holidays during term-time?

Family holidays should be taken during school holidays. Only in exceptional circumstances will permission be given. You need to request permission for your child to accompany you on a family holiday during term time.  The Headteacher has the right to refuse permission.

7. I am thinking about sending my child on an extended absence for an overseas trip to visit relatives. What should I do

The school recognises that such absence can be important for children to keep in touch with their extended family, particularly for minority ethnic families. Contact your child’s class teacher or form tutor as soon as possible to discuss the best time for such a visit.

The school would strongly recommend that such absences do not take place during your child’s SATs. You need to complete an application form for extended leave of absence and if the Headteacher then approves the visit, the school will set work for your child to complete while away.

As far as possible we will ensure the work set reinforces the educational value of such a visit.

8. 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 in the correct clothes and properly equipped. Show your child, by your interest, that you value his / her education.