Attendance
It is important for children to attend school regularly in order for them to reach their full potential, both academically and socially. The expectation is that children will attend for at least 96% of the time, taking into account possible illness. There is a clear link between success in education and pupil attendance. Attendance under 96% makes it increasingly difficult for children to keep up. Children who are regularly absent from school find it difficult to cope in class, they miss out on key learning. Poor attendance can also affect social development such as relationships, self-esteem and confidence.
If a child’s attendance becomes a concern and there are repeated absences we will inform parents/carers and meet with them to try and resolve the situation and so appropriate support can be provided. However, if progress is not made, it may be necessary to inform the Local Authority Legal Intervention Team.
Leave of absence or holidays in term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances in line with the regulations issued by the Department for Education. If parents/carers still decide to take their child out of school, this could lead to the issuing of a fixed penalty notice of £60 per child per parent/carer which increases to £120 if not paid within the first 21 days. Leave of absence must be requested by completing a leave of absence form. This is available from the office. This form should be handed back into the school office in advance of the absence with details of the reasons.
Further information about attendance can be found in the attendance policy (see Policies section).
