Attendance
In order for children to experience the optimum benefit from their education, we encourage good attendance from our pupils. The government discourages the taking of holidays in term time. Evidence shows that children who miss school do not achieve as well as those who attend regularly.
Should you choose to take a holiday with your child during term time, a Fixed Penalty Notice will be requested by the school nominated person on your child’s return to school. The notice will then be issued to you (and husband/wife/partner) by the local authority in accordance of section 44 of the Education Act 1996. The current rates payable by parents are £60 where the amount is paid within 21 days and £120 where the amount is paid within 28 days. This charge is per parent/carer per child.
If the fixed penalty notice remains unpaid this could lead to prosecution in the magistrate’s court. Exceptional circumstances for absence from school: The following are all at the executive principal’s discretion: – The parent has leave from the armed forces (services). – Family crisis (e.g. adoption; bereavement; additional medical needs). – Religious observance by the religious body to which the parents belong. – Participation in a supervised sporting activity approved by the school. – Non routine medical or dental appointments (routine appointments to be made outside of school hours). – Modelling or special stage performances (as long as it can be proved that the education of the child does not suffer). – Examinations.
Useful Information
Every lesson counts!
Most parents want their children to get on well in life. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to have a good education behind you 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 or alternative provision regularly. If children do not attend school regularly they may:
Struggle to keep up with school work. In a busy school day it is difficult for schools to find the extra time to help a child catch up.
Miss out on the social side of school life –especially at primary school. Poor attendance can affect children’s ability to make and keep friendships; a vital part of growing up.
Setting good attendance patterns from an early age, from nursery classes through primary school, will also help your child later on. Employers want to recruit people who are reliable. So children who have a poor school attendance record may have less chance of getting a good job.
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.
