Regular and punctual school attendance is important. Pupils need to attend school regularly if they are to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them by law. Here at Boothstown Methodist Primary School we fully recognise our responsibility to ensure pupils are in school and on time, therefore having access to learning for the maximum number of days and hours.
The Department of Education have the following guidelines for categorising poor attendance and we have a duty to act accordingly.
Perisitent absence: A child is considered to be persistently absent if they miss 10% or more of all possible school sessions regardless of whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised. (90% attendance or below)
Severe absence: A child is considered to be severely absent if they miss 50% or more of all possible school sessions regardless of whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised. (50% attendance or below)
Our Attendance Policy applies to all children registered at this school and our policy is available below. Printed copies can be requested from the school office.
Although parents/carers have the legal responsibility for ensuring their child’s good attendance, the Headteacher and Governors at our school work together with other professionals and agencies to ensure that all pupils are encouraged and supported to develop good attendance habits. Procedures in our policy are followed to ensure this happens.
School is unable to authorise absences during term time unless the circumstances are considered exceptional. Requests for such absences need to be submitted in advance on the school's official 'Request for Absence Form' which can be found below.