We recognise the importance of good school attendance and research clearly demonstrates the link between regular attendance and educational progress and attainment.
We will support children to ensure they access the best education that we can offer and will work in partnership with parents/carers in ensuring they are aware of their legal responsibilities regarding their child’s education and support their child to achieve their maximum possible attendance, ensuring any problems are identified and acted on promptly.
Registers will be taken as follows throughout the school day:
•The morning register will be marked by 9:20am.
Pupils will receive a late mark if they are not in their classroom by this time. Pupils attending after this time will receive a mark to show that they were on site but this will count as a late mark.
•The morning register will close at 9:30am.
Pupils will receive a mark of absence if they do not attend school before this time.
•The afternoon register will be marked by 1:00pm.
Pupils will receive a late mark if they are not in their classroom by this time.
•The afternoon register will close at 1:10pm
Pupils will receive a mark of absence if they are not present.
If your child is unwell and will not be attending school, please telephone (01325 300337) or email (admin@stjosephsna.bhcet.org.uk) before 9:00am to inform us.
Absence Calling
We operate an absence calling policy where we call parents/carers when a child is absent from school and we have not been informed of a reason for the absence. This is to safeguard your child. We begin making calls at 9:30am so all information received by this time, whether by telephone or email, is taken into account.
Medical or Dental Appointments
Parents will be expected to make medical or dental appointments outside of school hours wherever possible. We recognise that occasionally medical or dental appointments during the school day are unavoidable. However, pupils are expected to return to school immediately following an appointment and medical evidence may be requested.
Requests for Leave of Absence in Term-time
Permission from the headteacher must be sought for all absences that occur during term-time. A ‘request for leave of absence form’ must be completed in advance of the absence (available from the school office). Only the headeacher can decide if the absence is to be authorised or unauthorised. The headteacher’s decision is not subject to appeal. Under current regulations, schools cannot authorise any holidays taken in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Recognition of Good and Improved Attendance
We recognise the importance of praise and reward for both good and improved attendance. All pupils are encouraged to realise the importance of good attendance and punctuality to enable them to achieve their full potential at school and their life goals. Each week, if a child has achieved full attendance, they receive 10 dojos. Each month, if a child has achieved full attendance, they receive a certificate and 10 dojos. Each term, if a child has achieved full attendance, they receive a certificate and a prize. At the end of an academic year, if a child has achieved full attendance, they receive a certificate and prize.