Aims

School aims to ensure that:

·                All pupils have an equal right, and access to, an education in accordance with the National Curriculum, or agreed alternative.

·                No pupils will be deprived of their educational opportunities by, either their own absence, or lateness, or that of other pupils.

It is recognised that:

·                The majority of pupils want to attend school to learn, to socialise with their peers, and to prepare themselves fully to take their place in society.

·                Many pupils and their parents may need to be supported and rewarded at some stage in their attendance obligations and responsibilities.

·                It is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure their children’s attendance at school as required by law (ref. section 7, 1996 Education Act).

Expectations

                                 School expects that all our pupils will:

·                Attend school regularly

·                Arrive on time and be appropriately prepared for the day.

·                Carry out any work provided by the school during an authorised leave period.

                                    School expects that parents will:

·                Endeavour to keep health appointments out of school hours where possible.

·                Inform a member of staff of any reason or problem that may hinder their child from attending school.

·                Fulfil their legal responsibility and ensure their child/ren attends school.

·                Contact school, as soon as is practical whenever their child is unable to attend school.

·                Send a written explanation of absence to school if phone contact has not been made.

·                Seek permission from the school for any leave of absence.

  Parents and children can expect the following from school:

Regular, efficient and accurate recording of attendance. This will take place punctually at

·                8-55 am and 1-05 pm. Children missing registration should report to the school office with their parent to complete a ‘blue card’.

·                Early contact when a pupil is absent without explanation.

·                Record phone notification of absence on a standard form and notify class teacher.

·                Action on any attendance problem notified to the school.

·                Referral of specific attendance issues to supporting agencies where appropriate.

·                Attendance figures are published in the Governor’s Annual Report to parents.

We encourage attendance by:

1.             Consistent, clear communication with parents and pupils about the importance of regular, prompt attendance.

2.             Setting targets for improved attendance and sharing these with Governors, parents and pupils.

3.             The accurate completion of registers at the start of each morning and afternoon session.

The school responds to non-attendance by:

1.             Contacting parents on the first day of absence if no reason has been received.

2.             If there is no response to the first contact a letter will be sent to enquire about the unexplained absence.

3.             Where a pattern of non-attendance is emerging the parent/carer is invited to visit the school to work with school staff to help resolve the difficulties.

Where there is no response to school intervention or where the absence or pattern of absence has persisted without satisfactory explanation the Education Welfare Service will be notified.

Holiday Absence

The school acknowledges that from time to time some parents will want to take their children out of school for holidays. This is strongly discouraged. The cost of flights during school holidays is not an acceptable justification for school absence.

It is within the head teacher’s power to grant and authorise up to 10 school days of absence during an academic year. Where granted this is not extendable and parents must ensure that return flights are booked in advance.

Parents are advised to request permission for a leave of absence before booking a holiday. This is done on an Education Leeds application form available at the school office.

The school’s response will take into consideration such factors as:

·                The child’s previous attendance.

·                Academic progress

·                Effort and attitude to work

·                Behaviour

Authorised Absence

Absence will be authorised for:

·                Sickness

·                Unavoidable medical/dental appointments

·                Days of religious observance

·                Exceptional family circumstances

Whenever possible, medical/dental appointments should be made outside school hours.

Pupils who are absent through illness for an extended time will be provided with work to be done at home.

Unauthorised Absence

Absence will not be authorised for:

·                Shopping

·                Looking  after family members

·                Minding the house

·                Birthdays or similar events

Parents must appreciate it is their responsibility to encourage their child to catch up on return to school.