Attendance and Punctuality Guidlines for all Parents.

Policy on Attendance and Punctuality  

Regular attendance and punctuality are important if children are to take part fully in the life of the school and to take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by the school. We recognise that attending school regularly and punctually is vital to the educational process and encourages a good pattern of work.  

Most Parents and Carers want their children to get on well in life. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to receive a good education if you want opportunities in adult life. Children only get one chance at school, and your child's chances of a successful future may be affected by not attending school regularly. If children do not attend school regularly, they may not be able to keep up with school work. In a busy school day it is difficult for teachers to find the extra time to help a child catch up; and it's not only the academic work. Missing out on the social side of school life, especially at primary school, can affect children's ability to make and keep friendships, a vital part of growing up. Setting good attendance patterns from an early age will also help your child later on. Being on time is also vital. Arriving late at school can be very disruptive for your child, the teacher, and the other children in the class. A child does not enjoy the experience of having to walk into class due to being late

Guidelines for Parents  

The bell will ring at 9am. All pupils are expected to be on the school premises by this time.

Absence due to illness

1. It is imperative that parents provide an explanation on the first day your child is absent. You are requested to notify the school before 9.15am. Unless we receive a telephone call or a visit from the parent, then your child's absence will be registered as unauthorised.

2. You are requested to send a note of explanation on the day your child returns to school. This will provide us with appropriate records.
   
3. Regular absences due to illness will be referred to the School Nurse.

Authorised Absence

(medical/dental appointments)

1. An application should be made to provide authorisation for your child to be absent from school for whatever reason.
   
2. Parents are requested to try and arrange medical appointments etc. outside school hours.
   
3. You are requested to notify the school as soon as possible prior to the absence.

4. Only schools may authorise pupils' absence – it is not at parents' discretion.

Punctuality

1. The registration period starts at 9.00am
   
2. A record is kept of those instances where a child arrives late at school. (After registration has commenced). If this pattern persists, the school will take further action.
   
3. Any child arriving after 9.15am without acceptable explanation will be marked as being absent without authorisation.
   
4. In order to ensure your child's safety at all times, it is important that all pupils that arrive at school before 8.45am are registered as members of the breakfast club. There is no obligation for them to have breakfast but registering your child will ensure adult supervision before 8.45am. Any child wishing to attend the club must complete a registration form available from the school.
   
5. The school closes at 3.20pm. All parents are expected to collect their child on time. The school provides after school care in 'Clwb ar ôl 3.' It is not acceptable to leave your child in school after 3.20pm  

Unauthorised Absences

A Child who is persistently late

The following action will be taken in the event of concerns being raised about attendance or punctuality.

1. A letter will be sent home in all instances of unacceptable attendance or punctuality (usually under 90% attendance).
   
2. If no improvement is recorded over a period of 4 weeks a second letter containing information regarding further proceedings will be sent home; parents will be requested to attend a meeting at the school.
   
3. If no improvement is recorded over a period of 4 weeks the school will report the matter to the Education Authority's Inclusion Team who will then work with the school and the family to improve attendance.
   
4. The LEA may continue with legal proceedings.

Holidays During Term  

Parents should not normally take pupils on holiday in term time. Under the School Attendance Regulations 1995, schools have the discretion to grant authorised absence for the purpose of family holidays during term time. If school does not agree absence and the pupil goes on holiday, the absence is unauthorised.

Each request for holiday absence should be considered individually.

The headteacher will take into account:

v Child's age

v Timing of the proposed holiday