Important Information for Parents

We have seen so many improvements over the past couple of years, including improved SATS results and excellent progress across the school.   This is linked to our improvements in attendance – which means that more children are now spending more time learning in school.

We have introduced the attendance reward for children who have had 100% attendance (our Attendance Heroes). Each week the class with the best attendance looks after Super SAM (School Attendance Mascot).

Although things have improved a great deal, we believe there is still further room for improvement.  In particular, there are some families last year who took unauthorised holiday, which has led to us having to issue penalty notices.

Please remember: it is against the law to take children out of school to go on holiday during term time. This is not just a school rule – it is the law!   Children can only be granted special leave in “exceptional circumstances” – this does not typically include holidays, or visiting a sick relative in another country. It is very important that we help parents to understand this, as many parents are now putting themselves at risk of a fine from the Local Authority. We really do not want for any members of our school community to find themselves in this position.

Advice Guidance on Attendance

Click Here to Download Information about Attendance:

LQP Attendance Policy with COVID additions

Attendance leafet

8 Parent Pamphlet – Term Time Holidays and Leaves of Absence

PH Under 5 Illness Leaflet

Why Should Children Be in School?

• It is the LAW. Parents can get penalty notices if this law is broken.
• It shows they are reliable
• They do not miss any lessons
• They increase their learning
• They will do better in exams
• They will be more likely to get a job
• They will be safe and understand the importance of commitment (just like going to work and getting a job)
• We really like your children being here!

What if my child is absent from school a lot?

• They miss lessons and important information.
• They WILL fall behind with their learning and their results will suffer.
• They will not be able to do their best in tests and exams
• The Educational Welfare Officer may be informed
• You could be fined a penalty notice, or worse, legal action could be taken.

What if my child is sick?

• Coughs and sneezes are no excuse not to come to school
• Being ill may prevent your child from going to school, but if they can get out of bed and play, or watch television they should be at school!
• Feeling tired is not an illness, they need to go to bed earlier!

Holidays during term time are against the law.

• Taking children on holiday or out of school during term time is against the law.
• We understand that holidays during term time may cost less money, but they are still against the law.
• Term time holidays are an increasingly serious issue – and the government is advising schools to take serious action where they need to in order to make sure they do not happen.
• The school is not allowed to authorise absence during term time, unless there are exceptional reasons (this does NOT include sickness of a family member).
• Taking unauthorised holidays could result in a penalty notice from the Local Authority.

Is it really serious if my child is not in school?

Yes!

James has 90% attendance. Sounds good doesn’t it?

But is it?

• 90% attendance = ½ day missed every week
• 90% attendance = 4 whole weeks of lessons missed every year
• James will fall behind in his learning

Not being at school can seriously damage a child’s learning!

Can I request special leave for my child?

We will consider parent requests for special leave only if there are exceptional circumstances and it is completely unavoidable.  Evidence will be required to be provided in all cases.

Holidays are not permitted during term time and requests to take children on holiday will not be granted.  The law says that children should be in school during term time and that holidays are not allowed.  This is because your child will miss out on important school work and may not be able to catch up.  This could have serious consequences for their learning.

Taking a child out of school without good reason or authorisation is very serious and will mean the Education Welfare Officer is notified.  They will consider taking action, issuing a penalty notice and in more serious cases they may take court action.

If you feel there is an exceptional reason as to why you need to request special leave then please speak to the school office.