Attendance Guide for Parents
When does my child need to be in school?
What happens if my child is late?
If your child is in Reception, years 1 or 2 and arrives between 1.05pm and 1.15pm he/she will be marked late. If your child is in years 3 to 6 and arrives between 1.20pm and 1.30pm he/she will be marked late.
If your child arrives after these times he/she will be marked absent. Pupils who arrive after registration should report to the school office.
Does the school need letters explaining my child’s absence or will a phone call do?
What reasons will the school accept for absences?
- Illness;
- Emergency dental / medical appointment (please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays);
- Day of religious observance;
- Family bereavement;
- Attending an interview or transfer day for secondary school.
Except in the case of illness, you should ask for permission for your child to miss school well in advance, giving full details. In cases of recurring absences through illness you may be asked to produce a medical certificate.
What are unacceptable reasons for absence?
Will the school contact me if my child is absent?
If we are concerned about aspects of your child’s attendance or punctuality we will contact you to discuss the best way forward.
I am thinking about sending my child on an extended absence for an overseas trip to visit relatives. What should I do?
The school would strongly recommend that such absences do not take place during your child’s SATs examinations. You need to complete an application form for extended leave of absence and if the Head teacher then approves the visit, the school will set work for your child to complete while away.
As far as possible we will ensure the work set reinforces the educational value of such a visit.
What can I do to encourage my child to attend School?
My child is trying to avoid coming to School. What should I do?
In some cases you may find it helpful to discuss the circumstances of your child’s difficulties with an Education Welfare Officer. The school may also refer you to an Education Welfare Officer who works with staff and families if difficulties with attendance arise. The Education Attendance Service is based at:
Western Area Education Office Suffolk County Council
West Suffolk house Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 3YU
T: 01284 352000
Attendance Guide for Pupils
Attending regularly and on time
- keep up with your school work and get the best results you can;
- get a job – employers like people who are reliable. Remember, your attendance at school is shown in your school records.
Absences
- illness
- emergency dental / medical appointments (please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays)
- day of religious observance
- family bereavement
- attending an interview or transfer day for secondary school.
Looking after your brothers and sisters, birthdays, general trips such as shopping and helping at those are NOT reasons to be absent from school.
Need Help?
You may feel that missing school is the answer. It is not – it may even make things worse. TALK TO SOMEONE – your class teacher, form tutor, another member of staff, your parents. We will do everything we can to help you get over the problem.
Bures Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Nayland Road, Bures, Suffolk, CO8 5BX
T: 01787 227446 E: primary@bures.suffolk.sch.uk