Attendance & Punctuality

All children are expected to attend school every day as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so. There is a link between attendance and attainment and we therefore do all we can to encourage the children to attend. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school. To this end, we strive to make attending our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children. We reward good attendance. We also make the best provision we can for those children who, for whatever reason, are prevented from coming to school.

Absence Procedures for Parents/Carers

If a child is absent from school, parents should follow these procedures:

Contact the school as early as possible and, at the latest, by 9.15am on the first day of absence.
Contact the school before 9.15am on every further day of absence.
Ensure that your child returns to school as soon as possible.
Confirm the reasons for and the dates of absence in writing when your child returns to school

Leave of Absence in Term Time

The Headteacher may not grant leave of absence to a pupil, unless an advance application has been made by the parent/carer and there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application. Parents/carers may apply to the school for leave of absence if they believe there are exceptional circumstances using using an application form outlining the exceptional circumstances. We ask for this application to be made 20 school days in advance of the required leave date. Please see the link below for the school's full Attendance and Punctuality Policy and application form.

Attendance is good because pupils are happy and want to come to school. This stems from pupils feeling listened to, safe and valued. St Mary's Church School Inspection February 2015.