Information for Parents 

Why Attendance Matters 

Regular school attendance is essential for children to make the most of their education. By attending school daily, children can achieve their full potential, build strong relationships, and develop good habits for the future.  Our school deems 97% as the benchmark for good attendance as it accepts that some level of absence due to illness may be unavoidable but is certainly not inevitable. 

Our Attendance Champion is: Ms Lisa Davies

Contact details: via class dojo or email admin@pembrokeparkprimary.net

Our Attendance Officer is: Mrs Juliet King

Contact details: via class dojo or email admin@pembrokeparkprimary.net

 

Reporting an Absence 

If your child is going to be absent, please contact the school as soon as possible.  The phone is staffed from 8.00am.  You can reach our Attendance Office by calling 01722 324050

Please provide your child's name, class, reason for absence and expected return date.  You are expected to call in and report absence every day your child is absent. We will be in contact if we have not heard from you. 

 

Absence requests 

There is no entitlement in law to time off in term time.  Magna Learning Partnership Academies will not authorise leave of absence in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Whilst there is not a definitive list of circumstances these are typically for the following reasons:  

  • Unavoidable medical or dental appointments  

  • Close immediate family bereavement 

  • For religious observance 

  • Gypsy Roma Traveller absence when the family is travelling for occupational purposes only 

All holiday is unauthorised regardless of the reason. 

Individual cases will be addressed by the Academy Leader, their decision is final. Forms for leave of absence can be obtained from the school office.

 

Authorised vs. Unauthorised Absence 

Understanding the difference between authorised and unauthorised absences is important for maintaining good attendance records. 

Authorised Absences: These are absences that the school may approve. Examples include: 

  • Illness: If your child is too sick to attend school. 

  • Medical/Dental Appointments: If these cannot be scheduled outside school hours. 

  • Family Emergencies: Such as a bereavement or other significant events. 

  • Religious Observances: When observance falls on a school day. 

To have an absence authorised, please provide details explaining the reason. For medical absences, a doctor’s note may be required for prolonged or frequent absences. 

Remember an absence may be authorised but it still counts against your child’s attendance record. 

Unauthorised Absences: These are absences that the school will not approve. Examples include: 

  • Unexplained Absences: Not providing a reason for the absence

  • Holidays: Taking vacations during term time 

  • Shopping Trips: Going shopping during school hours

  • Lack of uniform:  Your child being absent as their uniform is in the wash 

  • Transport difficulties:  Your child being absent due to a lack of transport - you are required to find a suitable alternative and get your child to school as soon as possible that day 

  • Non-Urgent Appointments: Such as haircuts, beauty treatments or driving lessons

  • Family events: Day trips, weddings, or visiting relatives

Unauthorised absences can impact a child’s learning and overall attendance record.  If you are unsure whether an absence will be authorised, please contact the office. 

 

Importance of Punctuality 

Being on time is equally important. Arriving late can disrupt the class and affect your child’s learning. Your child should arrive from 8.40am and be in their classroom by 8.50am at the latest. If your child is late, please ensure they check in at the school office upon arrival. 

 

What to do if your child is ill? 

When assessing whether to send your child to school or not, consider whether an adult would take a day off from work in a similar situation.  If they are too unwell to attend school, please do keep them at home, but if they feel able to attend we have a medical facility and first aiders should symptoms get worse during the day. 

For sickness or diarrhoea, the school’s policy is for a child to be off for 48 hours. 

You do not need to keep your child home from school if they have: 

Athlete’s foot, Cold Sores, Conjunctivitis,  Glandular Fever, Head Lice, Tonsillitis, Cold or Cough, Headaches, Sore Throat. 

The NHS gives the following advice on how long children should stay off school if they are unwell

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/ 

 

Support for Attendance Issues 

We understand that there can be challenges in maintaining regular attendance. Our school is committed to working with parents to address these issues. Here’s how we can help: 

  • Regular Communication: We will keep you informed about your child's attendance record and address any concerns promptly. 

  • Attendance Meetings: We can schedule meetings to discuss any issues affecting your child’s attendance and work together to find solutions. 

  • Resources and Referrals: We can provide resources or refer you to external support services if needed. 

  • Personalised Support Plans: For children with chronic attendance issues, we can develop a support plan tailored to their specific needs. 

We have developed a five stage supportive attendance process to support our young people in improving their attendance. 

  • Pre-Stage 1 we may contact you if we have any worries 

  • Stage 1 is letting you know we have some concerns 

  • Stage 2 will let you know if attendance is not improving and try and find out the reasons why 

  • Stage 3 will be a supportive school attendance meeting with a plan set and agreed 

  • Stage 4 will be a review of the plan 

  • Stage 5 will be a referral to the Educational Welfare Service 

If you are experiencing difficulties with ensuring your child’s regular attendance, please contact us. Our team is here to help and can provide support and resources to address any challenges. 

Let’s work together to ensure every child attends school regularly and on time, ready to learn and succeed! 

Our Attendance Policy can be found here - click