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Attendance

We require all children at St Michael’s to have the best possible attendance to enable them to reach their full potential. Equally, parents/carers have a duty to make sure that their children attend school regularly and on time.

All of the staff at St Michael’s are committed to working closely with parents/carers as the best way to ensure the highest possible levels of attendance. Communication between home and school is vital if we are to achieve this and maintain accurate, up to date attendance records for our students.

As a school we would appreciate your support in the following ways:

  • Telephone the school before 8.40am to tell us why your child is absent and when you expect them to return, with a letter to explain absence.
  • Keep in contact daily with the school if they are likely to be absent for a period of time.
  • Only allow your child to stay at home for genuine illness.
  • Ensure your child arrives in good time and prepared to start the school day by 8.40am.
  • Avoid booking non-urgent medical appointments during the school day.
  • If you have any concerns or need to talk to us about your child please contact us so we can support you and your child and resolve any issues.
  • Always praise good attendance and punctuality.

Leave of Absence Requests

Please note: National Guidelines means that we are unable to authorise absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any request for leave of absence MUST be submitted at least two weeks prior to any request on the St Michael's  ‘Leave of Absence’ form, this can be obtained from the school office.

Leave of Absence Form


Penalty Notice 

Please read the Wiltshire Council Local Authority leaflet which is on our website explaining Penalty Notices issued for unauthorised Leave of Absence during term time. Copies are available at reception or click below to dowload a copy.  If you have any questions or require further information regarding this, please contact Mrs Lafferty are designated member of staff for attendance.

Leave of Absence Leaflet for Parents

 

If you miss 3.5 days of school each half term over your school life you will miss a staggering, 1.5 years of education.

Good Attendance Means

Being in school at least 95% of the time (between 180 and 190 days)

Good+Attendance+Means+2

If you are worried about your child's attendance please talk to school about it or alternatively seek advice and support from your local Multi Agency Team, telephone: 0300 456 0108.

What we do to manage attendance at St Michael's CE Primary School?

Attendance at St Michael’s is checked on a monthly basis. Children whose attendance is less than 95% of what is expected are highlighted, and their absence is monitored more closely every week.

Mrs Lucy Lafferty is our designated member of staff for absence.

As a school, once attendance has been identified as a concern we:

  • Speak with parents to try and identify the barriers to good attendance.

  • Encourage medical appointments to be held out of school hours, or, if absoultely necessary in the afternoon.

  • Add a comment to our school management system to note that a pupil is being monitored.

  • Ensure class teachers also take responsibility for monitoring absence through Pupil Progress Meetings.

  • Praise pupils for good attendance.

  • Send letters home when attendance concerns are triggered, in line with Educational Welfare Officer flow chart.

  • Increase number of School Attendance meetings if necessary.

  • Involve the PCSO if persistent absence continues.

  • Involve military welfare officers if relevant.