Please see the image below which helps to demonstrate what your child's attendance figures mean..it is so important for them to be at school. 

Attendance

We know how important it is to be at school, we work hard to make sure that we are planning exciting and enagaing lessons so that your children can meet their potential.However, if they are not inschool, then they miss so much learning that it can be hard to catch up. 

We know that you may have challenges and sometimes need support to make sure that they attend school every day, and school are here to support you in any way that we can to overcome barriers and improve attendance. We appreciate that every family's situation is unique.

You must let us know if there is anything that we can do!

WE know that sometimes our pupils cannot come to school because they are unwell and that is the right thing to do for them and other children. Medical advice is clear however that children with a mild illness will often be well enough to attend school if they hav e a cough, or cold, without a temperatiure.  The NHS guidance http://Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk) is designed to support parents in their decison making.

We also know that pupils fall behind thei friedns and classmates when they miss school. At our school we want the amount of missed education to be reduced as much as possible. We belive that our community is stronger together, with all of our pupils in school, on time, every day. We are building life skills, life-long friednships and preparing your child for future successes!

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Following guidance from the Local Authority (LA) and Central Government, the following outlines the changes to National regulations about term time leave of absence.

The new regulations state that there should be no term time leave of absence granted except in ‘..exceptional circumstances..’

‘..exceptional circumstances..’ are being defined as, for example, a serving member of HM forces returning from overseas on leave and wishing to take the family on a short break. Family weddings and holidays with family members etc. would not fall into this category.

The Local Authority are now fining all incidents of unauthorised absence at the rate of £60 per child, per parent, per period of absence via a penalty notice which has to be paid within 21 days. After this time the fine increases to £120 per child, per parent, per period of absence. The Local Authority routinely prosecutes parents where a penalty notice is not paid.

No term time leave of absence will be granted in the future for holidays or family weddings etc.

School days are precious; children only attend school 190 out of 365 days. There are 175 days a year which parents can use for any activities other than school.

The table below explains how missed school days can affect your child’s progression.

Above 97%: Less than 6 days absence a year

Excellent attendance! These young people will certainly get the best results they can, leading to better prospects for the future. Pupils will also get into the habit of attending school which will help in the future.

95%: 10 days absence a year

These pupils are likely to achieve good results and form a habit of attending school regularly. Pupils who take a two week holiday every year can only achieve 95% attendance.

90%: 19 days absence a year

Young people in this group are missing a month of school per year; it will be difficult for them to achieve their best.

85%: 29 days absence a year

The Department for Education (DFE) has changed its definition of ‘persistent absence’ to those pupils missing 15% of lessons a year. Young people in this group are missing six weeks of school a year; this is a serious problem for pupils. Much of the work missed is never made up making it very difficult for them to achieve their best. They remain at a considerable disadvantage throughout their school career.

80%: 38 days absence a year

Pupils in this group and missing a significant amount of school and are at a huge disadvantage; it will be almost impossible for pupils in this group to keep up with work. Parents and carers of young people in this group could also face the possibility of legal action being taken by the local authority.

Applications for Leave of Absence

If you think you do have a case to be considered for leave of absence, a request must be made in advance or the absence cannot legally be authorised even if deemed to be exceptional circumstances.

All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance to the Headteacher by completing the school application form (either from the school office or via the school website). A parent/adult with whom the child resides must make the application even though the pupil may not be taking the proposed leave with them.

All applications must be discussed with the Head Teacher and further evidence provided if necessary. Failure to provide appropriate evidence or taking your child out of school without a majority vote will result in the absence being unauthorised. If the absence is for five or more school days a penalty notice (fine) will be issued.

Please contact the school office if you have any queries relating to these regulations.