Attendance

The Importance of School Attendance

We want our children at Hermitage Primary School to enjoy coming to school.

Research proves that there is a high correlation between school attendance and children's sense of belonging, happiness and achievement.

Absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor progress.

Why is it so important to attend every day?

Learning is a progressive activity; each day’s lessons build upon those of the previous day(s).
Reading the material and completing work independently does not compensate for direct interaction with the class teacher.
Many classes use discussions, demonstrations, experiments and participation as part of the daily learning activities, and these cannot be made up by those who are absent.

Are there other benefits to my child?

Pupils with good attendance records generally achieve higher and enjoy school more.
Having a good education will help to give your child the best possible start in life.
Regular school attendance patterns encourage the development of other responsible patterns of behaviour.

What are the risks of frequent absences?

A child who does not attend school regularly will be unlikely to keep up with the work.
The more pupils miss school, the lower their grades

What can parents do to help?

Parents must model the value of education, including the importance of regular attendance.
Make sure that your child goes to school regularly and arrives on time-you will establish a good habit that they will carry through life.
If your child starts missing school, work with the school to put things right. Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of him/her missing school.]
If your child is ill or must miss school for some other reason, contact school immediately. If you ask for home learning, make sure your child completes it.
Do not expect school to approve of shopping trips, birthday treats etc. during school hours. Arrange family holidays so that your child will not miss any learning.
Take an interest in your child’s school work and be involved in the school as much as possible-your child will value school more if you do.

Leave of Absence

PLEASE NOTE:

CHESHIRE EAST ARE RE-INSTATING FIXED PENALTY NOTICES FOR UNAUTHORISED HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME.

HOLIDAY REQUESTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FIXED PENALTY NOTICE BEING ISSUED.

Any request for other leave of absence must be presented to the Headteacher on the Pupil Absence Request Form (found on the School’s website under Office, Letters & Forms), at least 3 weeks in advance. This 3 week notice period will only be waived in exceptional circumstances. The application form must be completed by the parent / carer with whom the student normally resides. Once a decision has been made, this form will be returned to the parent/carer indicating whether or not permission has been granted.

Please note :

The School will decide if the request can be authorised or unauthorised in line with Cheshire East Council guidelines.

Leave of absence will not be granted unless there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.

The taking of holidays during term time is unacceptable and will not be authorised.

PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE

Timeline One Child Two Children

Paid within 21 days £80 per parent £80 per child = £160 per parent

After 21 days and before 28 days £160 per parent £160 per child = £320 per parent

After 28 days:

One Child

The parents will receive a summons to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on the grounds the parents have failed to secure their child’s regular attendance

Two Children

The parents will receive a summons to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on the grounds the parents have failed to secure their children’s regular attendance.

REMEMBER – Regular attendance is necessary for success in school. Help ensure that your child has the best opportunity for success by making sure he/she is in school every day.