Re: Attendance Policy, Kingsdown Cluster Schools

The Local Authority, in Line with Government Policy, is continuing to drive schools in improving the attendance of all pupils. There is a particular emphasis on Holidays in term time and Persistent Absence.

Colebrook Infant School is aiming toward zero unauthorised absence, and a minimum 90% attendance for all students.

It has been decided, as part of our review of School Attendance that:

§ Holidays in term will not be authorised unless there is a history of 90% attendance or there are Exceptional Circumstances.

(Cases for Exceptional Circumstances must be made in writing to the Head Teacher who will make the final decision)

§ There will also be ‘zero tolerance periods’ for authorisation. (Please see the accompanying sheet for details)

§ Persistent Absence or any illness not deemed to be genuine, may not be authorised without medical evidence.

§ Persistent unauthorised attendance of any student may lead to Penalty Notices being issued by the Local Authority.

The attached information should help and guide you in achieving good attendance for your child.

The cluster Education Welfare Officer is Jacqui Baines who can be reached on 465800 for further advice.

Yours sincerely

Sue Carvey

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Child: Class:

I have read and understood this letter and attached guidance.

Signed: Parent / Guardian

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

· So 90% attendance is good?

It’s not bad but should be a lot better.

Any less than 90% and your child cannot do their best

· So what is poor attendance?

Education Welfare Officers work closely with school attendance and become very concerned at 86% and below. Legal action may be taken in some cases.

· What do these figures mean?

90% attendance at the end of a school year means your child has been absent on 19 days

86% attendance at the end of a school year means your child has been absent on 26.5 days

· What does Persistent Absence mean?

In simple terms any child that continues to have low attendance through the year will have persistent absence.

Lots of odd days off that break many school weeks will cause this.

· What does Genuine Illness mean?

High Temperatures, Diarrhoea and Sickness, Childhood ailments e.g. measles, tonsillitis are genuine illness

A child should not be kept home with minor coughs, colds, etc

· My child is entitled to 10 days holiday each year.

NO the Government frowns on holidays being taken in term time. A Head Teacher may authorise up to 10 days but only if they feel there is no direct impact on a child’s education. 10 days absence means 95% attendance (this allows only 9 days over the year for illness)

· Can I take long weekends and odd days as holidays?

Not really, again the Government does not encourage this. Too many Mondays and Fridays missed would not be good for achievement

You cannot request a holiday for a day out e.g. birthday treat.

· What does Zero Tolerance mean?

Holidays will not be authorised during the first two weeks of September and during the month of May for children in year 2.

· What does a Penalty Notice mean?

The Local Authority can fine each parent £50 for each child.

This means a family with two parents and two children could face a fine of £200 for unauthorised absence.

· Can a fine be paid in instalments?

NO a fine must be paid in full within 4 weeks or it will double.

Failure to pay at all will lead to prosecution

Remember:

If you want your child to do his/her best they must be in school at least 90% of the time. That means no more than 19 days absence in one school year.

Colebrook Infant School wants your child to do their best and will not authorise holidays unless your child has a history of 90% attendance.

To achieve 90% don’t allow your child to stay home with minor ailments or for shopping trips etc

Want to know more?

Phone the school on 01793 331960 and ask to speak to Mrs Carvey

Phone Education Welfare Officer Jacqui Baines on 465800