Our aim is to work in partnership with children, teachers, parents and other agencies to raise achievement. The key part of our role is to improve the children’s levels of achievement through continued regular attendance and excellent punctuality.

We actively encourage dialogue between ourselves and all parents who may have any concerns about any issue mentioned in this document. We aim to do all in my power to assist anyone who has any attendance and punctuality issues.

Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to book an appointment with Claire Keady (Pastoral Manager and Attendance Lead)

 

Why it is important for children to attend school regularly? 

Attendance and punctuality are important for Shoreditch Park Primary School as we believe this plays a key role in raising overall pupil attainment. Good attendance and punctuality are clearly linked to children making good progress in their learning. The government has set a target of 96% attendance for all pupils. This rate allows for periods of illness or particular circumstances when absence from schools is unavoidable. We want your child to attend school regularly as this supports their learning. If your child is not well or if you have a planned reason why your child cannot attend school, please inform the school at the earliest opportunity.

Can I take my child on holiday in term-time?

In line with the London Borough of Hackney’s approach, Shoreditch Park Primary School has a zero-tolerance stance on holidays during term time.  

If you are unsure of school term dates please check the calendar or ask at the office.  While we appreciate that air fares may be more expensive during school holidays, invariably holiday requests will be turned down unless there is extreme necessity for time off or travel. In these cases, an Emergency Term Time Absence Form would need to be completed and handed in along with supporting evidence. The final decision to authorise any emergency time off rests with the Headteacher.

If you decide to take your child/children on holiday, during term time after permission is refused, it will be marked on the register as unauthorised holiday. A referral may be made to Hackney Education. Once referred, cases become a legal matter and could ultimately lead to a fine of £60.00 - £120.00 or, in more extreme cases, court action.

Please do not take your child’s education for granted. You must plan your holidays within the allotted time periods.

Children who miss school may fall behind with their school work and some of these children never catch up.

How do I report that my child will be absent?

Should your child be absent from school all parents/carers are expected to contact the school via phone on: 020 7739 7973. Please be aware that every day of absence is monitored and you will receive a text from the school and may receive a call from me. If your child is absent for two days or more there is an increased chance that we will be calling you to gather relevant information and check on their well-being. If at any time your child/children cannot attend school for any reason you must contact the school as soon as possible.

We encourage you to book medical appointments out of school time but we are fully aware that this is not always possible. If you have to book an appointment during school times try to book it so your child can come in for morning registration and return before afternoon registration. The school should be informed of appointments in advance. It is very good practice to provide medical evidence for any absence due to illness.

How will the school communicate with me about my child’s attendance?

Standard letters regarding attendance and punctuality issues are sent out on a regular basis.

It is good practice to send out an initial standard letter as a baseline for targeting any absences which cause concern, i.e. drop below a certain threshold. This ensures that no cases ‘slip through the net’ and all parents are kept duly informed of their child’s/children’s attendance percentage. In terms of safeguarding, attainment, and attendance the DfE Guidelines advise that it is good practice to challenge or seek additional information when there are high levels of absences in order to provide appropriate support to pupils, particularly for long term illness.

What are fixed term penalty notices and when they are used?

A fixed term penalty notice may be issued when a pupil has a minimum of 10 sessions recorded unauthorised in a 6-school week period: a school day is two sessions AM and PM. This includes any absence marked in the register as unauthorised.

What is the school’s response to poor punctuality?

Attending school regularly and on time is of paramount importance for your child/children. Continuous lateness means missing vital school time. You are responsible for your child’s/children’s punctuality.

School starts at 9.00am. The school gates are opened at 8:45am. It is excellent practice for your child to arrive in the playground between 8.45am and 8:55am.

The school day finishes at 3.30pm so parents should arrive by 3:25pm.

As a school we expect that all children to arrive and be collected on time.

Every child’s punctuality is very closely monitored. Repeated/consistent lateness after the register has closed will be marked as unauthorised absence. If your child/children exceed 10 unauthorised absences a referral will be made to Hackney Education. Once referred, cases become a legal matter and could lead to a fine.

In addition to this lots of secondary schools are looking more deeply into pupils’ records, including their punctuality and attendance.

What is considered an authorised absence?

The school can only authorise any absences in the following circumstances:

This is not a conclusive list.

What should I do if there are exceptional circumstances that require my child to be absent?

If you wish your child to be absent from school for any exceptional circumstances please complete a Leave of Absence Form which will be reviewed by the Headteacher and Attendance Lead.

This should be done at the earliest possible opportunity and with at least 2 weeks’ notice. Please note that the Headteacher has the right to refuse your request for leave of absence.