Attendance and Punctuality
Oughtrington Primary School recognises the importance of good attendance and the impact it has on children’s progress, attainment, enjoyment of learning and relationships within school. Good attendance helps a child to realise their potential and ensure they are motivated, confident and enjoy a diverse range of curricular opportunities and experiences. Our school policy promotes good attendance. The school monitors attendance and ensures quick and early intervention if a problem is identified. We recognise that whole school preventative and proactive approaches are key to promoting children wellbeing and attendance.
Punctuality
School begins at 8.50am and all pupils are expected to be in school for registration at this time. Pupils who are late are disrupting not only their own education but also that of others. Where persistent lateness gives cause for concern further action may be taken.
The guidance below is to inform parents/carers about children arriving late to school. The procedure will be as follows:
8.35am: School gates open
8.50am: Class doors open, children enter school
8.55: Doors and gates to school are closed and registers are taken in each class.
If a child does not arrive at school by 8.55, they should enter via the main school office.
Reporting absences from school
We recognise there are times when children will be absent from school for a multitude of reasons. It is however important that school is made aware such circumstances. The processes for this are as follows:
Illness
Sickness absence should be reported to the school office before 9am on each morning of the absence. A message can be left on the school answerphone on 01925 752086. If no message is left then one of our office team will try to get in contact with you before 9.30am. If your child is absent due to sickness and diarrohea, we ask that they not return for 48 hours following the last bout of symptoms. This is in line with the minimum timescales according to NHS advice.
Medical appointments
As a school we have a duty of care to ensure that all children registered with us are kept safe. Pupils with hospital, dental or other medical appointments during school time should be brought to school unless their appointment is before 9:00am and must be collected by a parent/carer from the school office. Children should be brought back to school after their appointment, as soon as possible.
Leave of Absence/Holidays During Term Time
If you wish to apply for a leave of absence for your child, please ensure that you have referred to the Attendance Policy. Due to changes in legislation, only absence requests with exceptional circumstances will be granted.
Guidance from the DfE explains that these reasons should not be authorised:
Extended family holidays
One day trips to see relatives
Birthday or event holidays
Educational visits
Holidays to long haul destinations
Below is a list of some circumstances when school can authorise a holiday.
Parent in the armed forces returned home for limited period in term time during tours of duty
To allow family time prior to and following the death of a very close relative
Life threatening and life limiting illness of child or sibling
Visit abroad prior to family moving there
Please read Warrington Borough Council's Guidelines to Fixed Penalty Notices for Unauthorised Holidays for more information. https://www.warrington.gov.uk/school-attendance
If parents/carers make the decision to go ahead and take their children out of school for a family holiday this will be documented as an unauthorised absence and a fixed penalty fine may be issued. An Absence Request form must still be completed and returned to the school office.
