Focus on Attendance and Punctuality.

At Lons Infant School we believe in developing good patterns of attendance and set high expectations for the attendance and punctuality for all our pupils from the outset. It is a central part of our school's vision, values, ethos and day-to-day life. We recognise the connections between attendance, attainment, safeguarding and wellbeing.

It is a rule that pupils must attend every day, unless there are exceptional circumstances. We expect every child to have at least 95% attendance. This means that children should attend school for at least 182 days out of a possible 190.

Don't forget that with school holidays, non pupil days and weekends you have 175 days to take holidays, visit the dentist or have routine appointments.

Persistent Absenteeism.

A pupil is defined by the Government as a 'persistent absentee'(PA) when they miss 10% or more schooling across the school year for whatever reason; this can be authorised or unauthorised absences.

Absence at this level will cause considerable damage to any child's education and we need a parents fullest support and cooperation to tackle this.

Absence procedures

If a child is absent from school the parent must follow these procedures:

• Contact the school on the first day of absence before 8.45am an each subsequent day of absence before 8.45am. The school has an answerphone available to leave a message if nobody is available to take your call. Alternatively, parents can drop into school personally and speak to the office staff. If we do not hear from you we will make a home visit and, if necessary, contact the police or social care.
• Contact the school on every further day of absence, again before 8.45am.
• Ensure that your child returns to school as soon as possible.
• Provide medical evidence if your child's attendance falls below 90%, otherwise it will be marked as 'unauthorised' absence and coded "O". 

It is a legal obligation of all parents/carers to ensure their child attends school regularly. By law all children of compulsory school age (5-17) must get a proper full-time education. Parents are responsible for ensuring children attend school regularly in a condition to learn.

For further information on absence and attendance, see our Attendance Policy in the "Policies" section under the "School Info" balloon on the Home Page.

Roles and responsibilites

School

• Set high expectations for attendance and regularly monitor whole school and individual attendance.
• To work with parents and carers to encourage regular attendance and punctuality of their child.
• A record of attendance must be kept giving the exact reason for the child’s absence.
• If no reason is provided by parents and carers (by telephone, in person, in writing) the absence will be recorded as unauthorised (DfES class this as truancy) and will remain on the child’s record.
• If your child is absent, it may be that school will contact you to establish the reason for absence if you have not already  provided this (first day response).
• Invite parent/carers into school to discuss attendance which is  cause for concern.
• The school will promote and encourage good attendance via its reward system.
• The school and Education Welfare Officer will conduct attendance checks throughout each half term.

Children with poor attendance records and lateness will be monitored and followed up by the Education Welfare Officer. In extreme cases absence could lead to official warnings or even prosecution and fines. This information can be transferred to the high schools.

The school does not authorise holidays during term time.

Parents/Carers

As a parent or carer, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your child:

• Attends school every day and arrives at school on time.
• Please make sure that your child leaves home on time, if travelling any distance please allow ample time for traffic or other delays.
• Contact school before 9:00am on each day of absence if the absence is unavoidable.
• Obtain evidence where possible to support medical/dental/opticians appointment.

Pupils

• To arrive at school, on time everyday with correct equipment and ready to learn.
• Comply with school regulations regarding attendance and punctuality.
• Discuss any concerns they may have with staff regarding attendance and punctuality.

Punctuality

Poor punctuality is not acceptable and can contribute to further absence. If a child misses the start of the day they miss work and do not spend time with their class teacher getting vital information and news for the day.

Late arriving pupils also disrupt lessons, can be embarrassing for the child and can also encourage further absence. Good timekeeping is a vital life skill which will help our children as they progress through their school life and out into the wider world.

At Lons Infant School, early morning work starts at 8.30, and registers are taken by 8.40. Children will receive a late mark if they are not in school by the start time. Children arriving after this time are required to come in via the school office where they will provide a reason for their lateness, which is recorded.

The registers will close at 8.45am and children arriving after this time are marked using a 'U' code which marks them as present for safeguarding purposes but is counted as an 'Unauthorised Absence'

NHS Guidance: Should I keep my child off school?

See the NHS document below.