Attendance

Introduction

At Oakthorpe, we believe that good attendance is vital in achieving good outcomes for pupils.

Parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive full time education. Regular attendance is essential if children are to progress with their learning. The school day is divided into two registration sessions, so for example, one full day of absence will be recorded as two sessions.

Notification of Absence

We would expect parents/carers to inform the school by 9am by phone, email, or in person, if your child is unwell and unable to attend school. If we have no reason for the absence by 9.30am, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised unless we receive a reasonable explanation. We would also expect to be notified if your child has a medical appointment by 9.30am. Other planned absences should be notified to the school via an Application for leave of Absence Form (see below).

Punctuality

School starts at 8.50am for all classes. We believe that punctuality is an important social courtesy and regularly arriving late to school not only disrupts your child's opportunities for learning but those of the children in his/her class. Children arriving late must access the school via the school office where they are registered and the reason for his/her late arrival is recorded. Where the child arrives after registration has closed (by 9.10am) the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Late arrivals are monitored by the school and interviews will take place with parents where there is concern.

Leave of Absence

Children of compulsory school age who are registered at Oakthorpe Primary School must, by law, attend school regularly. As a result, all leave taken in term time will be unauthorised unless the absence is for exceptional circumstances.

If permission for this leave is not granted, but the child is absent, or no authorisation is sought, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. As a result, a referral may be made to the Local Authority Attendance Team who may issue each parent/carer with a Penalty Notice fine. Where parents are separated, a copy of this decision will be sent to both.

Exceptional Circumstances

The Headteacher has discretion to grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. If you wish for the headteacher to consider your wish for leave of absence as an 'exceptional circumstance', please complete the Request for Leave of Absence form and attach any supporting papers. The Headteacher will make a decision and return the form with his/her decision. If leave if granted, the Headteacher will specify how many days' leave is being authorised. If leave is not granted, then the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and a penalty notice resulting in a fine for each parent may result.

Mrs Sesto is our Parent Support Advisor and Attendance Officer. You can contact her via the school office. Her working days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.