Attendance Expectations
At Berkswell Primary School, we believe that regular attendance is crucial for the academic and social development of your child. We expect all parents to ensure their children attend school punctually and regularly. Your child needs to be present in school to benefit from the learning opportunities provided and to establish a consistent routine that supports their educational progress.
We understand that there may be times when your child is unwell, and in such cases, we request that you inform the school as soon as possible. However, we encourage parents to make every effort to schedule medical appointments and family trips outside of school hours to minimize disruptions to their child's education.
Regular attendance also promotes a sense of belonging and community within the school. It allows your child to develop friendships, build positive relationships with teachers, and participate fully in extracurricular activities. By attending school consistently, your child will also develop important life skills such as responsibility, punctuality, and time management that will benefit them in their future endeavours.
As parents and carers, you play a vital role in ensuring your child attends school every day. Here are some tips on how you can support your child's attendance:
- Establish a routine: Encourage a consistent routine by setting regular bedtimes and waking times. This helps your child develop healthy sleeping habits and ensures they are ready for school each morning.
- Communicate with your child: Engage in open and regular conversations about their school experiences. Show interest in their daily activities, friendships, and any concerns they may have. This will create a positive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any issues that may affect their attendance.
- Make attendance a priority: Emphasise the importance of attending school regularly and highlight the benefits of education. By demonstrating your own commitment to their education, you are setting a positive example for your child.
- Celebrate achievements: Recognise and celebrate your child's achievements, both big and small. This encourages a positive attitude towards school and motivates them to attend regularly.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with school events, important dates, and any potential disruptions to the normal schedule. Being well-informed allows you to plan ahead and make necessary arrangements to ensure your child's attendance remains consistent.
Remember, regular school attendance sets the foundation for your child's academic success. By following these tips and making attendance a priority, you are providing your child with the best possible opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding attendance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Celebrating Attendance
The children know that attendance is important and this is celebrated in attendance worships. Each fortnight the winning class is celebrated with the highest attendance, each term the class with the highest attendance has a celebration event, this encourages classes to work as a team
Individually, the children are awarded 100% badges, bronze for one term, silver for two terms and gold for the whole year. Children are also celebrated when their attendance improves significantly.
Punctuality
Being punctual is also vital. Children who arrive on time each day settle well and are prepared to concentrate and access the learning opportunities provided.
Children in Years 3-6 who arrive after 8:55am will be marked as late on the register.
Children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who arrive after 8:50am will be marked as late (with an ‘L’ code) on the register.
Children who arrive more than 30 minutes after the time above (this is when the registers are closed) will be marked as late (with a ‘U’ code) on the register. A child can be late into school yet still be counted as absent (a ‘U’ code is counted as an absence).
Please be aware that pupils who are late (after the registers have closed) on 10 or more occasions will be referred to the Education Enforcement Team for the issue of a penalty notice.
Medical Appointments
Parents 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 an authorised absence. Pupils are expected to return to school for the remainder of the day/attend school prior to the appointment.
We ask that parents/carers provide a copy of the appointment letter or card prior to the day of the appointment.
Religious Observance
School acknowledges the multi-faith nature of British society and recognises that on some occasions, religious festivals may fall outside school holiday periods or weekends, and this necessitates a consideration of authorised absence or special leave for religious observance. It is reasonable for a parent to allow their children not to attend school on any day of religious observance if recognised by the parent’s religious body. However, parents are requested to give advance notice to the school if they intend their child to be absent.
Leave of absence should be requested by using the school leave of absence form at least two weeks in advance.
Are you thinking of taking your child out of school in term time? An information booklet from Solihull Council can be found here.
A holiday or family event is not a good enough reason for your child to miss out on school. You need to seek permission from the school prior to taking any leave of absence. Any absences that are not authorised by the school may be referred to the Attendance Enforcement Team for a fine or prosecution. The trigger for a fine is 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10 week rolling period. This could be a mixture of unauthorised holiday as well as other unauthorised absences. Late arrival to school in certain circumstances may also be included.
A fine is £160. The first fine is reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days. A second fine within 3 years will be charged at £160 with no reduced rate. A 3rd fine will not be issued within 3 years and further unauthorised absences may result in prosecution. They are issued to both parents/carers for each child and must be paid in full, we will not accept part payment of the amount. Not paying the fine could lead to prosecution.
The Attendance Enforcement Team may decide to go straight to prosecution if they do not feel a fine is appropriate.
Prosecution can lead to:
- Up to £1000 fine and a criminal record
In certain circumstances the Attendance Enforcement Team may decide to prosecute you for a more serious offence. This can be:
- A fine of up to £2,500 per parent per child
- A Community Order or custodial sentence
- A criminal record
Further information from Solihull Council can be read by clicking here.
