Gomersal St Marys CE(A) Primary School

Policy for Attendance

This policy reflects the vision and aims of our school by: Encouraging staff, parents and children to maximise the learning experience in order that all children reach their full potential. Providing clear procedures for involving parents relating to school attendance.

Introduction Regular and punctual attendance is of paramount importance in ensuring that all children have full access to the curriculum and are therefore able to reach their fullest potential. Valuable learning time is lost when children are absent or late. The school recognises that young children are not responsible for their attendance and seldom stay away from school without parental consent. Children should be at school, on time, every day the school is open, unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. Permitting absence from school without a good reason is an offence by the parent. It is the legal duty of the parent or carer to ensure that children attend school regularly and on time. We encourage children as soon as they enter our school to see themselves as a valued member of our school team. To take responsibility for their own actions, to promote Christian values and self discipline and have a respect for others. To enable them to do this they need to feel part of the school and this will not happen unless they attend school regularly. Positive attitudes towards good attendance need to be developed at an early age. Research has shown that irregular patterns of attendance or lateness can lead to truancy at a later date. Times of school sessions Nursery 8.15 11.15am 12.00 3.00pm

Main school 8.40 12.00pm 1.00 3.00pm

Authorised and unauthorised absence Schools have to adhere to DfES policy on attendance, lateness and the authorisation of absence. Bound by this legislation the school requires that: Children should attend school every day Parents should inform school of the reason for a childs absence as soon as possible Every half-day absence must be classified by the school as either authorised or unauthorised Records of attendance must be submitted to the authorities each term The school is only able to authorise absence for the following reasons: 1. illness or medical/dental reasons 2. religious observance 3. exclusion (if a child has been officially excluded from school) 4. Family holiday up to 10 days in exceptional circumstances which must be authorised by the Headteacher

Absence due to illness Parents are requested to inform the school for the reason for absence (first day) by telephone before 9.30am then send a written note on the childs return. If an absence has not been reported then the school will contact the parent on the number we hold in school. This practice will also apply to pupils in the Nursery. Parents are asked to ensure that we hold a current contact number. If the absence is due to illness it is important that the school is notified about infectious or contagious diseases. We need to know the risks for other children and also to notify the LEA. Medical and dental appointments should be made out of school hours. If this is not possible then requests to take children out of school for appointments should be made to the Headteacher.

Holidays in term time Holidays in term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances and providing the childs attendance has been above 97% over the period of one year. All requests for authorisation should be made directly to the head teacher in writing, prior to the holiday being booked. The head teacher will then make a decision as to whether to authorise the absence based on the conditions above and will reply to requests in writing. Any other reasons for absence should be discussed with the Headteacher who may be able to give authorisation. Any holiday taken without the written authorisation of the head teacher will be classed as unauthorised absence and a Penalty Notice may be issued.

Rewards and Incentives All pupils who achieve a full term of attendance will each receive a certificate of attendance. This will be presented by the Headteacher at a school assembly. If a child achieves a year of full attendance then they will receive a trophy from the governors of the school. The aim is that these strategies will help children to realise the importance of coming to school every day. We also have an attendance cup which is awarded every Friday to the class with the highest attendance. We endeavour to reach 100%!

This policy sets out the procedures in place to ensure the school fulfils its responsibilities regarding pupil attendance. Our procedures are inclusive and apply to all pupils regardless of age, aptitude, race, culture, gender or ability. The school regards the regular attendance of all its pupils as being of utmost importance. The need for both parents and pupils to be aware of this and support us is vital in achieving this. Information is sent to parents regarding attendance procedures and our policy is reviewed on a regular basis.