Absence

When children are absent from school the parent or guardian must notify the school by phone, e-mail or in person, detailing the reason for absence.

The school implements a ring back system when children have not arrived in school by 9.30am, and no reason has been received. All parents are asked to contact the school on the first day of absence for their child before 9.30am. This can be done by phone, e-mail or in person.  If we have not received notification by this time, then a phone call or text will be made from school to the main contact telephone number listed for any child, to account for their absence.

Setting high standards of attendance and punctuality in the early years is most important, given the research which confirms that early intervention in this way can improve attendance throughout the period of compulsory schooling.  

Procedures for dealing with absences

Registration
If a child is absent at morning registration and the school has not received an explanation for the absence by 9.3Oam and the school has been unable to contact anyone, the absence will be treated as unauthorised.
 

Lateness
Children must attend on time to be given a mark for that session, unless the lateness is unavoidable. Parents are expected to ensure that children are present for registration. A late mark is awarded if arrival is between 8.55am and 9.30am. Absence mark is given if arrival is after 9.30am.

After four episodes of lateness in a month a letter will be sent to parents by the school with the aim of addressing the situation. lf the situation does not improve the parents will be invited to a formal meeting with the Headteacher.
 

Absences

Authorised absences include:
Sickness, hospital appointments, dentist, religious holidays, clinic and funerals. Medical appointments should be arranged if possible outside the school day. Where this is not possible it is expected that pupils only miss part of the day. Leave may, however, be granted in an emergency e.g. bereavement or for medical appointments which take place during school time.
Unauthorised absences include:
Arriving after the register has been closed, Shopping, going to an appointment that could be arranged out of school hours, birthdays, visiting relatives, buying shoes, going for a haircut, looking after sick or younger relatives.
 

Parents and staff must be aware that  although parents may provide a reason for an absence, it is the school which decides if the absence is recorded as authorised or unauthorised.

Holidays

• The school supports the view that every lesson counts and discourages parents from taking holidays in term time. Parents do not have a legal right to take their child out of school on holiday.
• Holidays will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances in line with County guidance. All holiday requests must be made in writing to the head prior to the holiday being taken. Any holiday that has not been authorised by the head will be classed as an unauthorised absence.

Leave of absence in school time.

Christ the King Primary School has no wish to deprive families of their well-earned annual break however, it is important that parents carefully consider the implications of taking their children out of school during term time.

To help your child to value school time and to reduce absence, to attend school and so not miss elements of learning, we ask that all parents to ensure that family holidays and extended trips are arranged to coincide with school holidays wherever possible.