Policy for Attendance

Beaumont Primary School

Policy for Attendance

We believe that children can reach their full potential only by receiving full-time education, through regular and structured attendance. Beaumont Primary School expects all pupils to arrive and leave school punctually and we emphasise this to parents. All staff are concerned for the children’s welfare and happiness and everyone plays a part in promoting regular attendance among the pupils. However, children should not attend school if they are unwell.

Aims

To foster a climate where regular attendance and punctuality are valued by the school community – teachers, parents and pupils.

To provide a framework, with agreed roles and responsibilities.

To provide support and guidance for parents and pupils.

To develop positive and consistent communication between home and school, including set procedures for attendance information.

To develop a systematic approach for gathering and analysing data.

To improve the overall attendance of pupils at school and reduce unauthorised absence.

To implement a system for rewards and sanctions.

To promote effective partnership with the Education Welfare Service and other agencies.

To meet or exceed targets set by the Local Authority on behalf of the DfE for attendance.

1. Communication Information on punctuality, unauthorised absence and illness is set out in the School Prospectus. This emphasises the importance of being at school on time and notifying the School Office if a child is absent for any reason. The importance of regular attendance is discussed and explained at the Pre-school Induction Meeting held each year for children about to enter Reception Class. This reiterates that children should arrive at school on time, so that each child can be given the best possible start to the school day. It is also stressed that young children particularly should be collected promptly, as they can become upset if left behind on their own. Parents are asked to share any worries that their child might have, which may mean that they might become unhappy and might not want to come to school. A leaflet outlining the requirements is distributed to new entrants. Children should be collected on time from school at the end of the day. If for any reason a parent, or a nominated person known to the school, is unable to collect the child, the office should be notified as soon as possible of the alternative arrangements. No child is allowed to leave school without prior notification of the alternative arrangement. Children are also admitted to school by the Local Authority at various times of the year, and into various Year Groups, where vacancies occur. Parents allocated a place are asked to make an appointment with the Head Teacher. At this meeting, the importance of regular attendance is always highlighted, together with other school routines. At the Induction Meeting, parents are requested to arrange their family holidays within the school holidays, rather than in term time. At Beaumont, we prefer that family holidays should be taken during school holidays, so that a child’s education is not disrupted. Parents are reminded in the newsletter that they should not take their children out of school

unnecessarily for holidays or visits. However, in unavoidable circumstances, application for authorised absence should be sought from the Head Teacher. Other than in extenuating circumstances, this request may not be granted. Parents are asked to complete an Application for Leave Of Absence form, if they wish to take their child out of school for an appointment, visit or holiday (see Appendix 5a & B). The Head Teacher approves absence from school. If the request is for a holiday, the Head Teacher will consider the impact on the child’s education, previous absences from school and the proximity to SATs, exams, etc. If the Head Teacher does not sanction the absence, any absence by the pupil will be treated as unauthorised. Authorised and unauthorised absences are explained to parents. All parents should contact the School Office if their child will be absent or late. A telephone call by 10am is acceptable; a duplicate book is kept in the office to record the telephone messages, the top copy is passed to the class teacher via the registers and the second copy remains in the book. When their child returns to school, parents should send a letter to school explaining the absence or complete a Notification of Absence form (see attached). If no notification is received about a child’s absence, the Attendance Officer sends the parent/guardian a written reminder, enclosing a Notification for Absence form. All information is recorded in Class Registers.

2. School Hours Doors open 08.50am Registration 09.00am Registers closed 09.15am School ends 03.10pm (infants) 03.15pm (juniors)

3. Registration The Attendance Officer is responsible for collating Attendance Records in school and notifies the Head Teacher if there is any reason for concern. At the end of the year, each child’s attendance is analysed and information is given with their School Report.

4. Addressing Concerns about non-attendance and poor punctuality The Attendance Registers are examined regularly by the school’s Attendance Officer. If there are concerns about a child’s punctuality, a formal letter will be sent to the parent/guardian if there is persistent lateness. Attendance which falls below 96% (the current Ofsted recommended level) is of great concern as impacting upon a child’s education and long term life chances. If there are concerns about the level of a child’s non-attendance for whatever reason, the Attendance Officer and the Head Teacher will examine the circumstances. In line with the Local Authority’s recommended Staged Intervention approach to school attendance, parents of children whose attendance falls below 96% will be alerted on a half-termly basis by letter. Where relevant, parents will be invited to an informal discussion. In certain circumstances where a child’s non-attendance has a pattern of regular short term absences, parents will be requested to provide medical proof (appointment letters/cards/doctor’s confirmation letter) to ensure that everything is being done to support a child’s possible underlying medical issues. Non-attendance between 80% and 90% is of extreme concern, the same procedure as above will be carried out so as to support parents actions closely to allow their child’s attendance to improve. If absences or unpunctuality persist despite this Staged Intervention, the Head Teacher will escalate the matter to the Local Authority’s Education Welfare Officer.

A Fixed Penalty Notice is in operation and will be used in certain cases, such as when families take children on holiday in term time without authorisation from the school. In addition, should a pupil arrive late in school (after the register has closed at 9.15am) more than five times in any half-term period, a Fixed Penalty Notice will also be issued for this, unless prior notice of a medical appointment has been received. These can range from £60 to £120 and are issued by the Local Authority. The Local Authority is able to prosecute parents for non-attendance of their child at school and for poor punctuality/lateness. Truancy sweeps are carried out within the area whereby the Education Welfare Service is working alongside the local Police to challenge parents who are keeping their children off school for trivial reasons and for identifying children who regularly truant

5. Absence through Illness Beaumont Primary School continues to provide as much education as the child’s medical condition allows to keep up the momentum of their learning. Beaumont monitors attendance of those pupils who are absent from school because of short-term or chronic illness, and close links are maintained with parents.

6. Rewards Recognition for good attendance and punctuality forms and integral part of the school programme to demonstrate its importance and relevance to the children’s education and personal development. At each Friday assembly, classes with 100% attendance for the current week are praised and awarded a certificate for display in their classroom. Also, any class with 100% punctuality over the course of that week are also awarded a certificate for display in their classroom. At the end of each term the pupil(s) with 100% attendance receive an award in the shape of a certificate. Parents are informed of this process in the newsletter.

7. Policy of Equality Statement

The Board of Governors and School is committed to a policy of equality and aims to ensure that no employee, job applicant, pupil or other member of the school community is treated less favourably on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability or religious belief.

Date: Summer Term 2016

Review Date: Summer Term 2019

Appendix 1

POOR ATTENDANCE LETTER – less than 96%

PARENTS / GUARDIANS ADDRESS

Dear PARENTS / GUARDIANS

PUPIL NAME

It has been noted that PUPIL NAME currently has an attendance rate of XX%. Attendance below 96% the current Ofsted recommended level is an extreme cause for concern. Under Government ruling, your child is legally obliged to attend school. Children who frequently remain absent are significantly at a disadvantage with their learning. Regular school attendance is defined in law as being at least 96%. We would appreciate your support to ensure PUPIL NAME attendance improves. The school will continue to monitor the situation.

Thank you for your cooperation. Yours sincerely Attendance Officer Cc: L Harvey Head Teacher

Appendix 2

REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL LETTER PARENTS / GUARDIANS ADDRESS Dear PARENTS / GUARDIANS

PUPIL NAME

We would like to meet with you to discuss PUPIL NAME current attendance. This meeting is to discuss the way forward in how we can help you with regards to improving the attendance of PUPIL NAME. The meeting will be attended by myself and Mrs Beeson, Attendance Officer. The proposed date of the meeting is DATE AND TIME. If this appointment is not convenient, please contact me as soon as possible so that another date can be agreed. If you do not respond to this letter we will understand that you will attend the meeting. If you have any questions regarding this letter please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely

Linda Harvey Headteacher

Appendix 3

PARENTS UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE LETTER PARENTS / GUARDIANS ADDRESS Dear PARENTS / GUARDIANS

PUPIL NAME

Whilst carrying out a register inspection, it has been noted that PUPIL NAME was absent from school on DATE. When marking the attendance register in school, the reason for a child’s absence is noted. If the school is not informed of the reason, the absence is marked as

unauthorised. Parents are to contact the school on the first day of absence by 10am to advise of the reason. After 10am the school will endeavour to make contact with a family member, via text alert message or telephone call, to establish the whereabouts of a missing child, for the school to confirm your child is safe. We are writing to advise you that, on this occasion, this absence will be recorded as unauthorised as you did not make contact with the School Office by 10am. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Yours sincerely Attendance Officer

Appendix 4

PERSISTENT LATENESS LETTER PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS Dear PARENT / GUARDIAN

PUPIL NAME

It has been noted that PUPIL NAME has been late on XX occasions since the beginning of this academic year, amounting to XXX minutes of lost education. I would like to remind you that the children should be in their classrooms between 8.50am and 9.00am, in time for the registers to be taken promptly at 9.00am. When a child enters the classroom after 9.00am s/he is marked as late and after 9.15am classified as an unauthorised absence. Lateness is disruptive to your child’s education, to other children and the Class Teacher. It can be stressful and give a poor start to the day. I appreciate that it can be difficult, at times, to get children to school on time and there may be an occasional extenuating circumstance; however, it is important that they learn the importance of being punctual on a regular basis. If NAME attendance does not improve, we will request a meeting takes place to discuss this further. If your child is late at the beginning of the school day, in future they will need to be accompanied to the School Office to understand why they are late. To avoid this inconvenience, please ensure your child is on time. Yours sincerely Attendance Officer

Appendix 5A

APPLICATION FOR PUPIL LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

The Department for Education have made it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical, family bereavement). Therefore, applications for leave for family holidays will not be authorised. The Governing Body of Beaumont Primary School do not wish to impose fines; however they reserve the right to notify the Local Authority where absence is taken without authorisation.

Before authorising leave the Headteacher will consider: The child’s current attendance record, including punctuality The age of the child (children aged 5 – 16 are legally required to attend school) The child’s stage of education, especially if they are in Year 6 If previous requests have been made within the same school year for leave If the pupil’s work and conduct are of acceptable standard The nature of the leave of absence (only exceptional circumstances will be authorised)

Full name of child: Class: _____________________________________ ___________________ Address :___________________________________________________________________

Date of absence: From _________________ Date of return to school __________________ Reason for request: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Signature of parents / carers:_______________________________ Date: ______________

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Dear Parent / Carer

Thank you for the completed application for leave of absence for ______________________

□ Your child’s absence has been authorised for ____ days ( ____ sessions) under exceptional circumstances.

□ Your child’s absence has not been authorised for ____ days ( ____ sessions) for the reasons listed above. I must inform you that, according to local legislation, if you decide to take your child away without the consent of the school, you may receive a penalty notice of £60 per parent, per child, from the Education Welfare Service. Signature of Headteacher: ________________________________ Date: ______________

For Office Use: Current ___________% Attendance Previous Academic Year ___________% Attendance

Appendix 5B

NOTIFICATION OF TAKING A

CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL DURING

THE SCHOOL DAY

Pupil’s name:

Year group:

Date of Absence:

Time of Absence: From ______________ To _______________

Reason for Request:

My child will / will not require a school lunch when they return to school. (please delete as relevant)

Their choice will be : (please check school menu) Signature of Parent / Carer:

Date

Signed Off By …………………………………….. Attendance Officer

Appendix 5C

Notification of Absence Form

(where absence already taken)

The Department for Education have made it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical, family bereavement). Therefore, applications for leave for family holidays will not be granted. The Governing Body of Beaumont Primary School do not wish to impose fines; however they reserve the right to notify the Local Authority where absence is taken without authorisation.

Before authorising leave the Headteacher will consider: The child’s current attendance record, including punctuality The age of the child (children aged 5 – 16 are legally required to attend school) The child’s stage of education, especially if they are in Year 6 If previous requests have been made within the same school year for leave If the pupil’s work and conduct are of acceptable standard The nature of the leave of absence (only exceptional circumstances will be authorised)

Child’s Name: __________________________________________ Class ___________ Reason for absence: _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Reason for being unable to advise of absence in advance: ____________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Date/s absent: __________________________________________________________ Parent / Carer’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: __________

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Dear Parent / Carer

Thank you for the completed application for leave of absence for ______________________

□ Your child’s absence has been authorised for ____ days ( ____ sessions) under exceptional circumstances.

□ Your child’s absence has not been authorised for ____ days ( ____ sessions) for the reasons listed above. I must inform you that, according to local legislation, if you decide to take your child away without the consent of the school, you may receive a penalty notice of £60 per parent, per child, from the Education Welfare Service. Signature of Headteacher: ________________________________ Date: ______________

For Office Use: Current year _____________ % attendance

Previous year ____________ % attendance

Appendix 5D

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE LETTER DECLINE PARENTS / GUARDIANS ADDRESS Dear PARENTS / GUARDIANS

PUPIL NAME

Further to your recent application for leave of absence for PUPIL NAME. The Department for Education have made it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances being of unique and significant emotional, educational or spiritual value to the child which outweighs the loss of teaching time. On the basis of the above, unfortunately I am unable to authorise this leave of absence. Yours sincerely

Linda Harvey Headteacher

Appendix 6A

REQUEST FOR PROOF LETTER TO GP

Dear General Practitioner

Re: Pupil Name / DoB Address

The above child has a high level of absence from school due to illness. In order for the school to be able to authorise future medical absences, I have requested that the parents obtain written confirmation from you, verifying that the child is too ill to attend school. This information will provide crucial evidence of a need for additional educational support/provision and may also negate the need for future prosecution against the parents. For this purpose, I would be very grateful if you could provide the relevant information by completing the form below. Yours sincerely

Linda Harvey

Headteacher

Appendix 6B

GP Information Request Form Period of illness/absence from: to: I certify that I have carried out a medical assessment of (…………………………………………………………..…Child’s name) Please explain in brief the condition that child is suffering from: He/she is unfit to attend school ………………………………………….. ……………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… He/she is able to attend school………………………………………………….…………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… I understand that I may be contacted to confirm this information. General Practitioner (print name) ………………………………………………………… Surgery name/contact details/ official stamp …………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Signed ………………………………………….. Date …………………………..