Why attendance matters

Here at Meynell Primary School we are committed to maximising the achievement of all students.  There is a clear link between good attendance and educational achievement. 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.

Additional information for parents

Illness

For coughs, colds, tummy aches and headaches, it is fine to send your child in to school. Most of the time, these illnesses do not require a prescription or a visit to your GP, therefore they do not need time away from school.

If medical evidence is requested due to poor attendance, this can be provided in the form of prescriptions, appointment cards, etc. rather than doctors’ notes.

For vomiting and diarrhoea, the NHS states that “Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days (48 hours).”

Additionally, most pharmacies using Pharmacy First can now treat 7 common illnesses which are:

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Earache
• Infected insect bite
• Impetigo (a bacterial skin infection)
• Shingles
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections

Holidays

Please be aware that it is the Headteachers decision to grant term time leave. This is only granted for exceptional circumstances. Most holidays in term time will not be authorised.

If parents/carers choose to take their children out of school during term time for 5 or more consecutive school days, a Penalty Notice will be issued.

If you are wanting to take your child out of school during term time, please fill out a Notification of Term Time Leave form and return it to the main office. If the leave is granted, you will receive a decision letter detailing the number of days authorised.

Punctuality

When a pupil arrives late to school, it is not only causing disruption for the whole class, but it also puts the pupil at risk of feeling distressed as they have to catch up on what they have missed at the beginning of the day.

If your child is late, depending on the time they arrive, they will either receive an L or U code. Unfortunately, if your child receives a U code, this is classed as an unauthorised absence. If your child continues to be late, this will result in their attendance falling to below the school target of 96%.

If punctuality is a concern, you may receive a letter detailing the number of lates your child has had. If no improvements have been made, you may be invited into a meeting to discuss any support that can be offered. You may be referred to the Local Authority if your child has a significant number of U codes.

Please be aware that the Local Authority can fine parent/carers for poor punctuality.