The Alderton Infant School and Nursery

Attendance

The aim of The Alderton Infant School is to provide an excellent education in a safe, supportive learning environment, where people are valued and make positive contributions to the school community, and where pupils go on to become responsible, independent members of society.

Regular attendance at school is essential to ensure uninterrupted progress and to enable children to fulfil their potential.

Our attendance targets are set because we want to promote excellent attendance and punctuality habits.

The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure that regular attendance is maintained.

New National Framework for Penalty Notices

The following changes come into force for Penalty Notices issues for unauthorised holidays recorded by schools after 19th August 2024:

Appeal or challenge a Penalty Notice

There is no right of appeal against a penalty notice which has been issued in respect of school absence.

Essex County Council will only issue penalty notices when in receipt of all required evidence.  This evidence must show how specific criteria have been met, as set out within both:

  • the National Framework for Penalty Notices
  • ECC Published Code of Conduct

Essex County Council - School attendance and absence

What should I do if my child is too poorly to attend school?

Parents are expected to contact the school on the first day of absence by 9.30am

  • Call the school number 020 8508 7168 to speak to office staff or leave a message on the answerphone
  • Continue to contact the school on each day of absence in order to keep us up to date
  • A written note clarifying absence may be required upon return to school
  • Evidence of medical appointments or prescribed medication will be requested upon return to school
  • Medical appointments, should if possible, be booked outside school hours
  • Please note – no contact could trigger a “home visit”, referral to Local Authority Officer and can be seen as a Safeguarding concern!

Lateness

Pupils should arrive in time for morning registration at 8.35am.  Children arriving after this time will need to register at the school office.  Doors are promptly closed at 8.40am. Staff will not open doors after this time – to reduce upset it is imperative that children are on time.

The Alderton Infant School closely monitors lateness.  There are three negative results caused by lateness: loss of learning, disruption to other pupils and an increase in unauthorised absence.  The school will liaise with parents and will refer persistent cases to the Local Authority Attendance Officer.  Our LA Officer will also periodically visit school to check attendance and lateness.

Family Holidays

Headteachers are not authorised to permit holidays during term time.  Any application will be unauthorised

In total there are 175 non-school days a year.  This gives families the opportunity to:

  • Spend time together
  •  Go on family visits
  •  Go on holiday
  •  Go shopping
  •  Go on days out
  • Attend routine appointments

You can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education by not taking holidays during term time.

Government legislation states that Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances

Term time holidays may result in a fine being issued per child to parents by the Local Authority.

Please remember that you do not have a legal right to take your child out of school during term time.

Note:  The Local Authority may take Legal action if a family goes on holiday during term time without the school's permission.  Instead of a penalty notice, the case could go directly to the Magistrates for their consideration in court.  If found guilty by the Magistrates, parents could each face a fine of up to £2,500 and / or 3 months imprisonment.

For the school attendance policy - see below

Good attendance and punctuality have a significant impact on a child’s education.  Every single day that a child is absent equates to a day of lost learning.

Below is an example of the impact poor attendance can have:

  • 20 days off per school year = 90% attendance
  • 90% attendance = 4 whole weeks off school
  • 90% attendance for a child throughout primary and secondary school = one whole year missed in education

Where the school has concerns regarding attendance it is likely to trigger the involvement of Senior staff, School Nurse, Family Support Worker or the Local Authority Attendance Officer. If you need any further information, please contact the school

How parents can help

  • Establish a good routine in the morning and evenings so that your child is prepared for the school day ahead
  • Make sure your child goes to school regularly and follows school rules
  • Ensure your child arrives at school on time – not late
  • Arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours when possible
  • Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness
  • Take family holidays outside of term time
  • Talk to your child and take an interest in their work (including homework)
  • Attend parent evenings and school events
  • Discuss any problems or difficulties with the school, staff are there to help and be supportive
  • Ensure your child is fully equipped for school and all weather

 

Attendance Policy

 

Attendance Policy June 2024

 

 

Attendance Newsletter

 

Useful Documents