At Forest View Primary School, we recognise that regular and punctual attendance at school is vital if children are to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them and to achieve their full potential.
“Good attendance” means 96% attendance (which is actually 8 days off across the school year). This is our whole school attendance target which is in line with the Government’s national expectation of 96%.
Key Information for Parents/Carers
When a pupil is absent from school, this will be marked as either ‘authorised’ or ‘unauthorised’.
Authorised absences are only permitted for valid reasons such as:
- Illness.
- Medical or dental appointment.
- Religious observances.
- Family bereavement.
Wherever possible, parents should always try to arrange medical and dental appointments during school holidays or after school hours.
Unauthorised absences are those which the school does not consider essential or reasonable and can include:
- Forgetting school term times.
- Absences which have not been explained.
- Arriving at school after the register has closed.
- Oversleeping.
- Day trips or family outings.
- Problems with uniform/clothing.
- Birthdays and Holidays.
Children feeling unwell
Children can’t help being sick and sometimes they have an illness that will require time off school and a visit to the doctors. However, taking regular one or two days off soon adds up! Sometimes our children have coughs and colds and may not feel their normal self but they are probably well enough for school.
If a child has a minor illness (e.g. a headache, cold or a sore throat etc.), we ask that Parents/Carers bring them into school and inform staff that their child is feeling unwell. School will always contact Parents/Carers if a child’s condition worsens or if they become poorly during the school day. Please see poster below for the official guidance from Public Health England regarding illnesses and whether time off school is advised.
Support with Attendance and/or Punctuality
Should you wish to discuss your child’s attendance and punctuality with us or if you would like support with this, please contact Mrs White (Welfare Officer / [email protected]), who will be happy to help!
