Attendance, Term Dates and School Hours
EVERY MINUTE MATTERS!
We want our children in school on time, every day. Children need to attend regularly to take full aadvantage of the educational opportunities available to them. Research shows that attendance and punctuality are important factors in school success.
Our school day is 8.40 a.m. to 3.10p.m. which is 32.5 hours.
| 8.30a.m. | School gates open |
| 8.40a.m. | Start of the school day for all children Reception to Year 6 |
| 3.10p.m. | End of the school day for all children |
Nursery morning sessions run from 8.40a.m. to 11.40a.m. afternoon sessions 12.10p.m. to 3.10p.m.
Nursery full days run from 8.40a.m. to 3.10p.m. (with a £2.00 charge for lunchtime cover).
Punctuality
It is important that pupils attend school on time so that they do not miss out on the beginning of each day. We begin every day with mini Maths and English tasks that consolidate previous learning. Children must attend on time to be given a present mark for the session. If a pupil arrives late every day, their learning will suffer.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Parents / Carers should avoid making routine medical appointments and dental appointments during the school day. In the majority of cases, appointments can be made outside of the school day/during the school holidays.
Where appointments have to be taken during the school day, only the time for the appointment and travel to and from will be classed as authorised absence. Pupils are expected to return to school for the reminder of the day/attend prior to the appointment.
Parents / Carers are asked to provide proof of appointment to the office.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME
Do NOT book any holidays during term time. The law does not give any entirtlement to parents to take their child on holiday during term time. Any applications for term time leave must be exceptional circumstances and the headteacher must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant granting of leave. Parents can be fined by the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school. You must obtain a form to request any holiday during term time from the school office where they will explain more about the process.
As a school we fully appreciate the financial difficulties that some parents face when booking holidays, particularly during school holidays. However, all schools must have firm policies and stringent chescks to ensure that there is a significant reduction in the number of absence during term time.
Parents can support regular attendance by:
- Making sure their child arrives at school on time with all their resources
- Supporting and encouraging their child by attending parents' evenings and other events
- Contacting the school to discuss any concerns regarding their child's attendance
- Working in partnership with the school to resolve any issues that are impacting on their child's attendance
- Making any medical appointments outside of school hours whenever possible
- Not taking children out of school for holidays during term time or for other unnessary reasons
PERSISTENT ABSENCE AND UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE
Did you know if your child arrives after the register has closed they will receive an unauthorised absence. If we can not get in touch with you a member of staff may also come to your house to check how you are. We will communicate concerns about attendance through regular letters, meetings and face-to-face discussions. In some circumstances, the Education Welfare Team from Cheshire West and Chester will be involved.
EXPECTED LEVELS OF ATTENDANCE
Attending school regularly and on time has a positive impact on learning, progress and therefore the best life chances for all our pupils.
REWARDING GOOD ATTENDANCE
We know that sometimes children are not well enough to attend school. However, we also value attendance and want to recognise classes, pupils and families who ensure attendance is always strong.
- Weekly celebration of the top KS1 and KS2 attending class.
- Certificates for good attendance
- Half termly attendance awards (£10 book token)
- Dojo points for punctuality, attendance and being 'ready'.