Attendance

Attending school is essential for students to make good progress, achieve their academic potential and consequently have better chances in life. Old Priory Junior Academy is working in partnership with parents to improve school attendance. We would like to congratulate the many parents who make sure their children attend school regularly and on time.

 

Out of the 365 days in a year there are only 190 teaching and learning days in a school year; it is vital children attend every day. Teachers in school work extremely hard to plan challenging learning opportunities for all children, this includes the last few days of term. We aim for 96% attendance and will keep all parents updated with our current attendance in our weekly newsletter, RAG rated accordingly against our target.

 

Absence disrupts the education of the individual pupil and the whole class. Are you aware that children who do not attend regularly:

• do not achieve well in exams
• find it difficult to maintain friendships
• are more likely to become involved in crime
• miss out on opportunities in further education and the world of work

 

Some Important Facts

• There are 190 school days each year and 175 other days for shopping trips, birthday treats, non urgent appointments and holidays.
• One day's absence per week is the equivalent over a school career of 2.5 years of education missed.
• 10 days absence in a year is the equivalent of two whole terms of education missed.
• 15 minutes of lateness a day equals one whole year of education missed.
• Full attendance leads to the best educational outcomes – please give your child the best chance and make sure they are in school every day.

 

There is never a time in school that is wasted or used for keeping children occupied. Each activity is carefully thought out to ensure there is a successful learning outcome. Therefore, it is important you still send your children to school on the last few days of term as they will miss out on key learning and may struggle to catch up. Please remember that parental illness, going shopping, visiting family, truancy, not wanting to go to school, alleged bullying (speak to school immediately to resolve the issue) are not acceptable reasons to be absent. All of these will be recorded as unauthorised absence, including if your child arrives at school after the close of registration.

 

Holidays in term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

 

We do not expect you to send your child to school if they are genuinely ill. It is vital that you report your child’s absence to the school office as early as possible and before 09:30am. If you do not inform school or respond to phone calls, we have a duty to report the absence to the Education Welfare Officer. Frequent absence can add up to a considerable amount of lost learning and can seriously disadvantage your child in adult life. 

 

If your child’s level of absence is of serious concern you will receive a letter advising you about improving attendance. After this, any further unauthorised absence may result in the School and the Local Authority taking action.

 

Children should arrive to school between 8.30am and 8.55am when the school gates are locked. After this time, your child will need to enter via the school reception accompanied by an adult where the reason for lateness is recorded. Lateness can cause embarrassment for the child entering class late and does mean that they miss out on initial settling in and the start of some learning.

 

What can parents / carers do to help?

 

• Ensure your child attends school every day and on time.
• If your child is not well enough to attend contact the school by 9.30am on the first day of absence.
• Try to make dental and medical appointments outside of school time or at weekends.
• Take family holidays during the school holiday. We are unable to authorise term time holidays.
• Contact us immediately if you need help or support with your child’s attendance or punctuality.