Late/Absence Procedures

Attendance and Punctuality           

Attending school every day and on-time is very important. This will enable children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them by law. 

We understand that all children are ill from time to time. Please contact the school by telephone or email, as soon as possible, on each day of absence.

Although parents/carers have the legal responsibility for ensuring their child’s good attendance, the Head Teacher and Governors at our school work together with other professionals and agencies to ensure that all pupils are encouraged and supported to develop good attendance habits.

Children who are persistently late or absent soon fall behind with their learning. Children who are absent from school frequently develop large gaps in their learning which will impact on their progress and their ability to meet age related learning expectations. A child whose attendance drops to 90% each year will, over their time at primary school, have missed two whole term's learning.

Poor attendance also impacts the development of social skills and friendship bonds. Children are likely to move on and play with others if one friend is often not there.

The governing body set a target for attendance of 96% and regularly monitor if this is being achieved. They are supported in their monitoring by the Children's Attendance and Welfare Service (CAWS).

Parents may be contacted by CAWS if there are issues with attendance or punctuality.           

Authorised absence

An absence is classified as authorised when a child has been away from school for a legitimate reason and the school has received notification from a parent or carer.  For example, if a child has been unwell and the parent telephones the school to explain the absence. For some children with persistence absence, proof may be needed e.g. of a Doctor's appointment.

Unauthorised absence

An absence is classified as unauthorised when a child is away from school without the permission of the school. All holidays in term time will be unauthorised, unless there is evidence of exceptional circumstances.

Fines

Fines will be levied for persistent absence and holidays within term time. These are currently £60 per child, per parent and are issued by the local authority.

Registration

External gates, for the normal school day, open at 8.50am.

Registration for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 is at 8.50am.

Registration for Key Stage 2 (Y3-6) is at 9am.

Sometimes, an earlier registration is necessary, for example due to school trips. This will be communicated to parents in a timely way.

Family and Individual Support 

Often, persistent absence and/or persistent lateness may be a sign of wider family difficulties such as struggling with morning routines or mental health issues. The Leicestershire County Council Family Wellbeing Service is there to help.

Please speak to the school office staff or email, if you would like us to make a referral.

Sometimes, a child who is reluctant to attend could be experiencing friendship issues or bullying. Please alert the school and we will be able to investigate and support.

At other times, children may be worried about changes or specific events, again, please alert the school and we can support the child in managing emotions.

Worries can also present as very real tummy aches. If you child suffers form persistent tummy aches and/or feeling sick, and you have excluded medical issues, please let us know and we will be able to provide your child with some emotional support.

For all children, if they become unwell at school, we will call home and look after them, until parents are able to get to school.