Missing School - Missing Out
Health and Welfare - Absence from School
Even the healthiest of us fall ill occasionally, and when this happens it is often best that the child should stay at home. We do ask, however, that when the child returns to school, a note is sent explaining the reason for absence. If your child is absent, parents are requested to telephone or write to the school so that we are aware why the child is away from school.
Absence for reasons other than illness cannot be authorised. However holiday forms to request leave of absence are available from the school office. As much notice as possible in writing should be given for such an absence but the school discourages taking time off in this way as it can have an extremely detrimental effect on your child's education, their absence record and the absence record of the school.
For your information the average attendance nationally for school children of a primary age is approx 95%. It is expected that you will do your utmost to at least match this figure if not exceed it. Two weeks holiday will make your child's attendance drop below that 95% figure.
We pride ourselves on striving for a high level of pupil attendance and this emphasis needs constant reinforcement and support from parents. We are grateful for the co-operation of parents who are asked to adopt the following procedures:-
q Please telephone the school on the first day of absence or complete an absence slip giving the reason for absence. If a telephone call is made initially then an absence slip should be completed on return to school.
q If a pupil is receiving treatment from a doctor, a dentist or hospital appointment and needs time out of school, please let the class teacher/ office know the previous day. We will require an appointment card or letter for authorisation.
Please do not keep your child from school:
q To go shopping
q To visit relatives
q Because the weather is bad
q Because you got up late
q Because they have a medical appointment in the morning and you think its not worth coming back for the afternoon or they have a medical appointment in the afternoon and you don't think its worth bringing them in the morning.
You should only keep your child off school if they are genuinely too ill to attend. The school works in conjunction with the Education Welfare Officer to actively monitor the attendance of your child. You will be notified immediately if we have any concerns with the attendance of your child and we may request a meeting, in the presence of the Education Welfare Officer, to discuss a plan of action to address poor attendance. It must be noted that poor attendance of your child is subject to prosecution.
To monitor attendance the school formulates a target group of pupils whose attendance is of concern. The Education Welfare Officer is also in school every week and can be contacted through the school office. Remember your child cannot learn if they are not at school.
Good attendance is rewarded weekly, half-termly, termly and annually both on an individual and class basis. Remember if your child is
