As a school we consider attendance and punctuality to be an essential component to a child’s academic success. We want to work closely with families and to support them in helping to improve attendance wherever possible. We will be monitoring attendance regularly and provide regular updates to parents to keep them informed of their child’s attendance.

Any attendance that falls below 95% is a concern as children are starting to miss a considerable amount of school and could easily fall into the persistently absent bracket (less than 90% attendance). Absence at this level is doing considerable damage to any child’s educational prospects and wellbeing, and we need parents’ fullest support and co-operation to tackle this.

Reporting an absence

My child is unable to attend school, what should I do?

Contact us as soon as possible on the first day of absence, preferably before 9.00am. Please make sure you state your child's name, form and the reason for absence. Please note you must call for each day of absence.

My child is returning to school from a period of absence...

Send a note in on the first day they return, with an explanation of the absence; you must do this even if you have already called the school.

Unauthorised Absence

What if I don't contact the school?

We will call you on the first day of absence if no absence has been reported to the school.

Continued absence

What happens if there are persistent absences?

You will be invited to attend a meeting at school to discuss the situation with our Education Attendance officer and the Assistant Headteacher responsible for attendance. Here you can discuss any issues or ongoing medical problems your child may have. A support plan may be offered.

If attendance drops to below 90%, then the matter may be referred to the Education Support Service.

Application for leave of absence during term time

Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to their educational progress.

A pupil who takes 10 days absence will only attain 94.7% attendance in the year. They will also miss 50 hours of education. After 10 days of absence, medical documentation may be required in order for the school to authorise any further periods of absence.

There is NO entitlement to parents to take their child out of school during term time, however, you may apply to the school for leave of absence if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.