Attendance Guide for Parents 2011/2012
The following information applies to parents of all children at Manorside School. However, we are aware that there will be occasional exceptional circumstances that will require individual support or alternative arrangements. As a staff team we are available and wish to encourage parents to discuss any difficulties they may be experiencing.
Q.1 When does my child need to arrive at School?
- The gates will be opened in the morning at 8:30am
- Your child should be in school by 8:50am when the whistle is blown. Children then line up to be collected by their teacher.
- All Reception and Key Stage 1 children must be accompanied by an adult.
- If your child is an Independent traveller (attends school without an adult escort) you must ensure the school has been formally advised of this: an Independent Traveller form is available from the office.
Q.2 What happens if my child is late?
If your child arrives after 8:55am they must enter via the School Office and inform the Office Manager.
If your child arrives after the close of registration they will receive an unauthorised absence mark instead of a late mark. Parents are expected to send a note, speak to their child’s teacher or telephone the school to explain the reasons for lateness.
Q.3 Does the school need letters explaining my child’s absence or will a phone call do?
We would expect a parent to telephone the school on the first day of absence. However, we would a like a written explanation on your child’s return to school. If we do not receive an explanation or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we will not authorise the absence, and this will show up on your child’s end of year report. If you experience difficulties communicating in this way please speak to the Head teacher.
Q.4 What reasons does the school accept for absence?
- Genuine illness.
- Unavoidable medical/dental appointments.
- Day of religious observance
- Family bereavement.
- Participation in approved public performance.
Except in case of illness, you should ask for permission for your child to be granted leave of absence well in advance, giving details of the reasons for your request. A ‘Request for Leave of Absence’ form can be obtained from the School Office.
In cases of medical/dental appointments children are expected to return to school unless the appointment is late in the afternoon.
In cases of recurring absences for illness you may be asked to produce a medical certificate.
Q.5 What is an unacceptable reason for absence?
The school will not authorise absences for:
- Day trips
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Visiting relatives
- Looking after siblings
- Being absent because a sibling is unwell/attending an appointment
- Shopping.
This list is not conclusive.
Q.6 Will the school contact me if my child is absent?
If your child is an Independent Traveller we will make every effort to telephone you if your child fails to attend school in time for morning registration. However it should be noted that you are still expected to contact the school yourself on the first day of your child’s absence.
If the school is concerned about your child’s attendance and/or punctuality we will contact you. Annual levels of attendance are given on your child’s End of Year Report. Government guidelines are that your child needs to have an attendance rate of at least 95% if they are to achieve their full potential.
Q.7 Can we take family holidays during term time?
Family holidays must be taken during school holidays. If in exceptional circumstances, you need to request permission for your child to accompany you on a family trip during term time please complete a Request for Leave of Absence form. This form will need to be completed at least 2 weeks in advance of your trip.
The Head teacher has the right to refuse your request for leave of absence having given consideration to:
- Your child’s age
- The time of year
- Overall attendance pattern of your child.
The Head teacher is unlikely to approve your child’s absence if the timing coincides with SATs tests. Parents who take their children on holiday during term time without the express consent of the school will be referred to the Education Welfare Team who may impose a fixed penalty fine of £50 rising to £100 per parent for each child.
Q, 8 What can I do to encourage my child to attend school?
Make sure your child gets enough sleep and gets up in plenty of time each morning. Ensure that they leave home in the correct clothes and properly equipped. Look in their school bags and communicate with your child’s teachers. Show your child, by your interest that you value their education.
In some cases you may find it helpful to discuss the circumstances of your child’s difficulties with an Education Welfare Officer. The Education Welfare Officer is based at:
Education Welfare Team
North London Business Park, Building 4
Oakleigh Road South, N11 1NP
Tel: 020 8359 7684
Q.9 My child is trying to avoid coming to school. What should I do?
Contact a member of staff immediately and discuss your worries. Your child could be avoiding school for a number of reasons:
Q.10 Can my child’s school place be taken away?
Yes. If your child is absent from school for more than 4 weeks and no notification or explanation is given your child may be taken off the school roll and their place may be given to a child on the waiting list. This may also happen if your child is absent for more than 4 weeks and no return date is given or if the return date given has been passed and the school is not able to contact you to agree a subsequent return date.
Q.11 What happens at the end of the school day?
Manorside School closes at 3:30pm every day except for the last day of term when we close at 2pm.
If you need to collect your child early from school you must notify the school office. A member of the office staff will transfer this information to the Register.
If you know you are going to be late to collect your child contact the school immediately. Upon arrival you will be asked to sign the after-school late book and explain why you were late collecting your child.
If your child is late being collected, either after the end of school or after a club, except in exceptional circumstances, the school may impose a fine and your child will forfeit their place at the club. The school may also contact the police or social services.
If your child is not collected at the end of the day, and you have not contacted the school to advise us, the office will endeavour to contact you at home and at work. If this is unsuccessful, a senior member of staff will be informed of the situation and may contact the police or social services.
If your child is to make his or her own way home, or is to be collected by a minor you must inform the school of this ahead of time and, if possible, in writing.
Please remember that children worry about their parents’ welfare and can become quite distressed when they realise that no one has come to collect them. If you need support in arranging after-school care for your child, please talk to the Welfare Officer who can offer advice. Alternatively, your local library should have a list of useful contacts within Barnet Council.
BW/SH 2011
