Our Ref: 2021/052/EVF/rup
13 April 2021
Dear Parents/Carers
Attendance and Punctuality
Excellent attendance and punctuality at school is important to allow your child to fulfil their potential and for them to have the best possible start in life. Our expectations for each child is to attend school every day, achieve 100% attendance and enjoy prosperous futures.
When attendance drops below 97% parent/carers will receive a text message. If attendance falls below expectations without good reason, a formal letter will be sent home. If attendance continues to fall, a meeting with parent/carers will be arranged. A referral may be made at this point to the local support team. Please be aware this could lead to the issuing of a penalty notice and ultimately prosecution under the education act 1996 s.444(1).
All students must arrive in school for their allocated timeslot. Students who arrive in school after this time will receive a C3 detention (20 minutes) the following day. You will be notified of this on the day of issue via text. Families should avoid taking their child on holiday during the school term. These dates are published in advance. If a holiday cannot be avoided, a holiday form should be completed. Unless the circumstances are exceptional we will not authorise holidays in term time. Please be aware that parents may be subject to a penalty notice if your child’s absence is unauthorised.
Routine medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside of school hours. If this is not possible please inform the school. Students should only be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary for the appointment. An appointment card or letter will be required to authorise the absence. Failure to supply proof of the appointment will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised.
Reporting absence
If your child is unable to attend please ensure you are reporting their absence via one of the following methods. We have a dedicated attendance telephone line and email address for you to leave a message if your child is absent or has a medical appointment. This can also be reported through Edulink using the ‘Learner Absence’ icon. All absences should be reported using one of these methods and should not be reported through the Personal Tutor.
Attendance Telephone Line: 01827 301805 or 01827 301800 Option 5
Attendance Email: [email protected]
Your child’s success at school is very important to us and excellent attendance is crucial. Should you need any support to improve your child’s attendance please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely
Miss E Farley
Safeguarding and Communication Administrator