West Didsbury CE Primary School has been working hard to improve the attendance of all pupils.
It is widely recognised that the educational outcomes and future life chances of children and young people can be significantly impacted upon by periods of absence. Therefore, we want to encourage parents to ensure that their child attends school every day. We do appreciate the fact that a significant number of pupils have excellent attendance and this should be commended.
At West Didsbury CE Primary School we fully appreciate that there may be occasions when a pupil’s attendance may be affected due to exceptional circumstances. In these cases support and advice will always be available from the school.
Unfortunately, despite this support, attendance levels for some pupils continue to fall below the school’s expectations of 97%.
As a result of recent legislation, Headteachers are no longer able to authorise holidays during term time. Headteachers may grant leave of absence ONLY if they are satisfied exceptional circumstances exist. Requests for any leave of absence must be made in writing to the Headteacher at least four weeks prior to the intended absence. Prolonged term time absence does disrupt school life and we are anxious to avoid this if at all possible.
Where a parent/carer removes their child during term-time without authorisation (including holidays) they may be liable for a penalty notice or prosecution in the magistrate’s court.
Dentist/Doctors’ appointments are also counted as an absence and should, where possible, be made outside of school hours. If your child needs to leave school during the school day, please inform the class teacher beforehand. Your child should be collected for such an appointment, as no child will be permitted to leave the premises unaccompanied.
Reporting Absence
Should your child be unable to attend school for any reason it is important that we are informed, if possible in advance. If your child is ill, and therefore unable to attend school, we would appreciate it if you would inform us by telephone or email, on the first day of absence by 9.30am and then each subsequent day. This is necessary so that your child is not assumed to be an ‘unauthorised absence’.
Penalty Notices
A penalty notice will be issued to each parent for each child. The penalty notice incurs a fine of £120 to be paid within 28 days, which is reduced to £60 if paid within the first 21 days.
Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in legal proceedings being taken against you.
Other statutory action may also be considered under the Education Act 1996, which may result in you being prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court.
If your child is experiencing any problems that may be affecting their attendance or punctuality, then please contact the school office on 0161 448 1611 and please discuss any support that could be provided to ensure their regular attendance.
We thank you for supporting West Didsbury CE Primary School in improving attendance, which will ensure that all pupils in school have the opportunity to reach their full potential and improve outcomes for their future.
