Regular school attendance is vital for a child’s development as it not only has a positive impact on their academic outcomes, it also helps them to develop socially and emotionally. Regular school attendance is one of the best ways to protect a child’s mental health and well-being and it lays down the foundations for their long-term success in life.
We are required by law to keep accurate records of attendance and rates of absence are published each year. Registers are legal documents and are inspected by the School’s Education Welfare Officer.
If your child has been or is due to be absent from school, we need to be told, otherwise this is considered an unauthorised absence. If your child is ill, please phone the office (before 9am) to inform us on each day of their absence. You can leave a message on our answering service, by selecting option 1 from the menu when you telephone the school. If you do not notify the school of your child's absence, the school office will contact you by telephone to find out why they have not arrived at school.
Please read our Attendance Policy and the Department for Education Guide for Parents and Carers for our school expectations and procedures for attendance and punctuality.
Medical Appointments
Wherever possible, please try to arrange any medical appointments outside of school hours. However, we understand that there are times when this may be not be possible. If your child needs to leave school during the day for an appointment or any other reason, again the school must be informed. It may also be necessary to provide the school with the relevant documentation as proof of the appointment should this be requested. For primary-aged children, permission is only given on the understanding that an adult known to the school will collect and return your child from class.
It is also necessary to sign your child out (and then in again) if you remove him/her after registration, or if he/she is late for registration. This is for your child’s safety.
Late Arrivals
Please ensure that your child is on time for school and collected promptly. If your child is late to school, the adult with them must take them to the school office and sign them in. This is to ensure that the children get into school safely. Thank you.
Please telephone the school
immediately if you are going to be late collecting your child at home time. This is so we can make the relevant arrangements to supervise them and ensure they are safe. It is also reassuring for the child(ren) to know that you are okay and on your way to collect them.