Late/Absence/Attendance Procedures | Seven Stars Primary School

ATTENDANCE POLICY (see the link below for the full policy)

At Seven Stars Primary School we recognise that attending school regularly has a positive impact on learning, progress and therefore the best life opportunities and chances for children. We will encourage good attendance for all pupils, by offering an environment in which pupils feel valued and part of the school community.

SEVEN STARS COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL AIMS TO:

Achieve 96% in attendance

Improve the overall percentage attendance of pupils at school

To make attendance and punctuality a priority for those associated with the school including pupils, parents, teachers and governors.

To develop a procedural framework which defines agreed roles and responsibilities and promotes consistency in carrying out designated tasks.

To provide support, advice and guidance to parents and pupils.

To develop a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing attendance related data.

To further develop positive and consistent communication between home and school.

To implement a system of rewards and sanctions.

To promote effective partnership with the Pupil Attendance Support Team and with other support services and agencies.

To recognize the need of the individual pupil when planning reintegration following a significant period of absence.

To promote attendance through PSHE and assemblies.

ATTENDANCE MISSION STATEMENT

Seven Stars Community Primary School seeks to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise his/her true potential.

The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure.

All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to ensure that their children are regular and punctual attendees and to:

To contact school on the 1^st day of absence no later than 9:15am
Keep all contact numbers up to date
Provide the school with a written and signed absence note on the day of their child’s return to school
Attend meetings in school
Provide proof of medical appointments, if the reason for absence is given as illness
Avoid any leave in term time – this includes any holidays which should be discussed with the school prior to the holiday being booked, as if it does not meet the criteria, it may lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice
Participate on Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and cooperate in support and interventions offered by school or other agencies.

It is the responsibility of pupils to:

Attend school and be on time
Talk to parent/Carer/teacher or other trusted adult if issues arise that may have an effect on school attendance

It is the responsibility of the school to encourage good habits of attendance and punctuality by:

Staff setting good personal examples
Adopting a positive attitude to children who are regular and punctual attendees
Monitoring attendance by completion of registers
Initiate the use of first day response call when children are not in school in time for registration
Following up absences with requests for letters of explanation from parents
Following up unexplained lateness
Not blaming children for non-attendance and/or lateness when the responsibility lies with parents / carers
Involving parents/carers in meetings
Involving the Pupil Attendance Support Team when appropriate
Referrals to Children Missing in Education when appropriate

Attendance levels

Attendance levels show our expectations and what happens next:

97%+, expected attendance. This will help all aspects of a child’s achievement and life in school. This will give them a good start in life and supports a positive work ethic.

97-91%, below expected attendance. As attendance falls, our concern increases. We follow our stepped approach to take action.

90% or lower, persistent absence. Absence is causing serious concern. It is highly likely to affect attainment and progress and is disruptive to the child’s learning.

Meetings between home and school to share strategies for improvement will be called. If improvement is not achieved a referral is made to the Local Authority Attendance team. A Fixed Penalty Notice will be considered where absence is not authorised.

Sickness Absence

It is important that all children are punctual and attend school regularly. School should be notified if your child is going to be absent. You can advise school by telephoning the school office on 01772 422503, or leaving a message on the absence line. You can also email office@seven-stars.lancs.sch.uk or use the contact form on this website. If we do not receive a message about your child's absence by 9.00am, we will ring you. If we are unable to contact you, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

Children arriving late

Children will be marked late in the register when they arrive between 9.00am and 9.30am. Children who arrive after 9.30am will be marked in the register as unauthorised absence.

Medical Appointments

Where possible, these should be made out of school hours. However, we understand that this is not always possible. If your child has a medical appointment, please notify school and we require a copy of the appointment card/letter for our attendance records.

Holidays in Term Time

Holidays cannot be authorised in term time. A holiday request form must be completed in advance of the holiday. Penalty notices maybe issued to parents taking children out of school in term time unless these are exceptional circumstances.

Click on the link below for Lancashire Authority Attendance procedures:

Lancashire Attendance Procedures