School Attendance Policy

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At the Guru Nanak Sikh Secondary V.A. School we know that full and punctual attendance at all lessons makes a vast difference to grades and demonstrates commitment and responsibility amongst our students. Attendance and punctuality are monitored daily and all concerns are dealt with promptly.

The Governing Body expects 100% attendance but understands that from time to time some children will fall ill and require time off school. Parents should be aware that the DCSF advises that anything below 95% attendance is unsatisfactory.

Registration

Students are required to be in school on time for registration both morning and afternoon. Students are not allowed on school premises before 7.40 am. Students must be off school premises by 3.25 pm unless attending an after school club.

Registration Time 08.00am – 08.05am

Assembly/Form Period 08.05am – 08.35am

Registers are closed by the Form Tutor at 08.05am therefore students who arrive on or after that time must report to reception to sign the Late Book. A Late mark will be recorded in the register up to 08.35am. A parent or guardian who can explain the late arrival must accompany students who arrive after that time. Alternatively, evidence in the form of a letter written and signed by a parent/guardian, not the student, must be provided. Other forms of evidence include Doctor/Dentist Appointment cards and letters etc.

Students who have poor attendance or are frequently late will have letters sent home to parents. If the problem persists a meeting will be arranged with parents in school and if no improvement, referral to the Education Welfare Service for a Fast Track Attendance Panel which could result in legal action being taken.

Absence

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to telephone the school between 7.30am – 8.00am on the first day of a student's absence and everyday until the student returns. The School will contact parents after morning registration if the student is marked absent and no message has been received by parents. This is because of the Every Child Matters (ECM) agenda, in particular "Staying Safe". On the student's return a brief note, in the space provided in the student diary, is required. Parents must provide medical evidence (NHS Medical Certificate) when a student is absent for five days or more or when requested by the school.

It is the Schools decision to authorise an absence, not parents.

Medical & Dental Appointments

These appointments should be made outside of school hours and in school holidays. Where an appointment cannot be avoided during the school day evidence must be produced at least 3 days in advance. Whole days off are not allowed for check-up appointments.

Leaving Early

Parents/Guardian must provide a written request for a student who wishes to leave school early, a permission slip must be signed by the Form Tutor and a member of the Senior Management Team and the student must be collected from the Reception area or the Welfare Room by the parent or guardian.

Exceptional leave

Parents are not expected to apply for holidays for their children during school term time they are expected to take holidays during school breaks.
It is a common misconception that parents have a right to take their children on holiday for 10 days in the school year.
In line with recommendations we will adopt a policy of not authorising Exceptional Leave except in outstanding cases when it will be in the personal gift of the Head Teacher (or the Governing Body). Parents will be asked to provide evidence of their reasons for the request.
Each request will be considered individually, taking account of educational progress of the student, attendance/punctuality and the nature of the request.
Exceptional leave will always be refused for students:-
1. In Years 9, 11, 12 and 13 (Key Stage test years/GCSE examination and AS/A2 levels).
2. Whose attendance is less than 95% (Primary) and 92.4% (Secondary).
3. When the school is aware of a student's truancy.
4. When requests are regular (annual) or when patterns become identifiable.
Requests for exceptional leave must be submitted in writing at least one month before the required date.
All unauthorised absence will be reported to the Education Welfare Department which has the legal authority to impose a £50 fine per parent (e.g., mother + father =£100). Fines imposed and not paid within 28 days will be doubled.
A fine will not be imposed for repeated unauthorised absence; instead the case will be referred to the Magistrates Court, which may result in legal proceedings and a criminal record against the offending party.
No authorised time off is allowed for students to receive injections/inoculations.

Revised 05 2010