Attendance

Every Day, Every Lesson Counts.

Holidays in Term Time

• Family holidays must not be booked during school time. If parents decide to take a holiday or extended leave in term time, the school will request that Children’s Services issue a Penalty Notice under section 444 of the Education Act 1996. The penalty notice is £60 per parent per child if paid within 28 days and £120 per parent per child if paid after 28 days but within 42 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in prosecution in the Magistrates Court.

• When a pupil has more than 10 sessions (each day = 2 sessions) unauthorised absence in a six week period, this will result in a warning being given and the issue of a fixed penalty notice and referral to the Educational Social Work Service.

Medical Issues

• Medical and dental appointments must be made out of school time except those children who we know have a medical care plan.

• If hospital appointments have to be made in school time appointment cards/letters must be submitted to school one week prior to the appointment and copies will be kept on your child’s file.

• Persistent short absence due to minor illness will be investigated by our school nurse and your child’s GP. Any absence due to illness over 2 consecutive days must be validated with a Doctor’s/nurse’s note. If there is a continued pattern we have the right to request a doctor’s note for any further illness.

Punctuality

• All children should be on the playground for the bell ringing at 08.45. Children coming into school via the front door (after the bell has rung) will be logged daily and attendance procedures will be triggered. Our Educational Social Workers will arrange to make home visits to establish why punctuality is an issue for some families.

Whilst these sanctions may sound quite harsh, it is in line with most schools in the Bradford & Keighley area. Our consistent message to you, as parents, is that “Every Day Counts” and that high attendance is essential in order to ensure that all our children achieve their full potential. Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs S Kenyon

Headteacher