Attendance and Absence
Parents are under a legal obligation to secure the “efficient education” of their child through regular attendance at school. Children should be encouraged to arrive promptly at school.
A note or e-mail explaining any unforeseen absences must be sent to the class teacher or school office when the child returns to school. A child who is present in the morning, yet absent in the afternoon, does cause us some concern and again a telephone call or e-mail as soon as possible would be helpful.
In the case of absence because of family holidays, a letter or e-mail including details of the holiday should be submitted to the Headteacher. Any such leave of absence may only be recorded as authorised in exceptional domestic circumstances. Such circumstances include:
Where time spent together is important to the well-being and cohesion of the family following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events;
Where a parent’s employment is of such a nature that family holidays cannot be accommodated within school holiday periods (e.g. armed services or emergency services);
The off-island wedding of a member of the immediate family.
This does not include absences for children taking part in competitions, courses or training sessions.
Please be aware that term-time holidays, or consistent lateness, can have a detrimental effect on your child’s performance at school.