Headteacher’s Welcome

Attendance Information

School Hours 8.40am - 3.15pm.

The most important way you can help your child to succeed at school is to ensure they attend regularly and on time. The Department of Education states that in order for children to reach their full potential they should attend school for a minimum of 96% of the time.

Absence

If your child is unwell and cannot attend school, you must inform the school office as soon as possible. 

• Telephone the school on 01604 411820 by 9.00am and press option 1 to leave a message.
• When leaving a message please remember to leave your child's name, year group and reason for absence.

Medical Appointments

If your child has a medical appointment, please inform the school office prior to collecting your child (preferably at least a day before the appointment)

• Evidence of the appointment in the form of a text, email or letter is required in order for the absence to be authorised within school hours.

Lateness

It is as important for your child to arrive on time at school as it is to attend regularly. Children who miss the start of a school day will miss vital information and this could negatively affect the rest of their day as well as causing disruption to the rest of the class.

• If your child is late, please remember to sign them in at the office with a reason for lateness.

Holiday During Term Time 

Statutory guidance released by the DFE in August 2013 states that ‘Head Teachers should not grant leave of absence unless in exceptional circumstances. Term times are for education. This is the priority.  Children and families have 175 days of school to spend together, including weekends and school holidays. Headteachers will rightly priorities attendance.

The decision to authorise for absence for exceptional circumstances is at the Head Teachers discretion, following consultation with the NPAT chief Executive Officer. The following reasons constitute exceptional circumstances in NPAT schools:

• Up to 5 days funded by charitable organisations previously agreed or requested by the school.
• Armed forces workers who are unable to gain leave during school holiday times. (Written evidence must be presented)
• Extended leave for cultural reasons where a family lives abroad (Up to 10 days maximum)

Exceptional Holiday requests will not be considered for children whose attendance is below the historic National Average of 96% for primary pupils or for pupils who are in Year 6 until after their SATs have been completed in May.

Parents who take unauthorised holiday absence will be sent a holiday warning letter outlining the implications.

Procedure for requestion holidays for exceptional circumstances:

• Parents/Carers write a letter to the Head Teacher and submit it at least two weeks prior to the holiday date, alternatively please request a Leave of absence form from the office.
• Parents/Carers should also make an appointment with the Head Teacher or Deputy Headteacher, at this time, to discuss their reasons for considering a holiday during term time.
• The Head Teacher will request 12 month attendance figures for the pupil(s) involved.
• Having met with the Parent/Carers, the Head Teacher or Deputy will make a decision based on the above criteria and inform Parents/Carers, within two working days in writing with details outlining the reason for absence.