At West Earlham Infant and Nursery School we believe that great school attendance enables children both to maximise the educational opportunities available to them and to become responsible, organised and motivated adults. Good attendance in a child’s early education helps children get into excellent habits and is linked to future success
We will consistently work towards a goal of 100% attendance for all children we work with families to identify the reasons for poor attendance and offer support to overcome difficulties.
We recognise that attendance is a matter for the whole school community.
Legal Framework
Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states that parents must ensure that children of compulsory school age receive efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude to any special educational needs they may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. A child is of Compulsory School Age at the beginning of the term following their 5th birthday.
Working with families:
At our school we work with adults to promote good attendance.
School recognises that poor attendance can be an indication of difficulties in a family’s life at that moment in time. This may be related to problems at home and or in school. Parents are encouraged to inform school of any difficulties or changes in circumstances that may affect their child’s attendance and or behaviour in school, for example, bereavement, divorce/separation, incidents of domestic abuse. This will help the school identify any additional support that may be required.
Leave of Absence
Since September 2013, changes to Government regulations and guidance means that Head teachers can no longer authorise leave of absence for the sole purpose of a holiday (unless in exceptional circumstances). All absences associated with a holiday (without exceptional circumstance) during term time will be marked as unauthorised within the register. Any parents known to have removed their child from school for the sole purpose of a holiday may be referred to the Local Authority and be issued with a penalty notice fine or referred to the Local Authority to consider prosecution.
Pupil Absence for the purposes of Religious Observance
West Earlham Infant and Nursery School acknowledges the multi-faith nature of British society and recognises that, on some occasions, religious festivals may fall outside school holiday periods or weekends and is recognised as such by a relevant religious authority. Where this occurs, the school will consider either authorising the pupil absence or making special leave for religious observance.
Attendance policy September 2023 (review Sept 2024)
Legal Intervention Letter September 2023
Other Information
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/behaviour-and-attendance/attendance
