We have a number of initiatives in school to help promote the importance of good attendance in amongst our pupils and families. Absence has a negative impact on the academic achievement your child reaches in school. Occasional days off school soon mount up and parents are not always aware of the impact of this.

Holidays and Absences (Non Medical) in Term Time

In all cases an Absence Request Form must be completed (available from the School Office) and handed to the Office several weeks ahead of the planned absence. Full reasons for the absence should be provided on the form.

No holidays are authorised in Term time and therefore the child's attendance record will be marked as unauthorised during the period absence.

Attendance Rewards

We have a variety of rewards in school for good attendance on a whole class and individual level:

- The Attendance Cup is awarded to the class with the highest percentage attendance each week

- 100% Attendance stickers are given out each week to all children who have achieved this

- We award certificates in assemblies at the end of each term for 100% percentage attendance. If 100% attendance has been achieved for:

• 1 term - a bronze award will be issued.

• 2 consecutive terms – a silver award will be issued.

• 3 consecutive terms – a gold award will be issued.

- Our Olympic Baton for the class showing good overall attendance is passed on each half term.

Our school gates open at 8.40 am each day and children need to seated in class ready to work by 8.50 am. Registration takes place by 9 am. Children who arrive after this time are marked late (Late or Unauthorised) depending on how late they are. Children need to report to the office on arrival if late, so the reason for their late arrival is recorded on their school attendance record. Children who are regularly late will be monitored and may be invited to meet with the Headteacher. If your child has a problem with late arrival please contact the school to discuss the matter further, so we can try to resolve any problems.

It is important that children arrive in school on time every day for a number of reasons.

- It is the legal responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that children attend their registered school on time each day.

- If a child is late they miss important information about the day's activities.

- A child that is late will miss school work.

- Children that arrive in good time for registration are able to talk to their friends before school and settle into the school day with them.

- A child that is late disrupts staff and other children.

The table below shows how lateness can add up over the school year: