Attendance
At Callowell Primary School we expect all children on roll to attend punctually every day, when the school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so.
We do all we can to encourage the children to attend, and to put in place appropriate procedures. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school and working closely with parents.
The school regularly monitors attendance and concerns fall under three definitions.
Definitions
- Below 95% Cause for concern
- Below 90% Persistent Absentee
- Below 50% Severe Absentee
Authorised absence
An absence is classified as authorised when a child has been away from school for a legitimate reason and the school has received notification from a parent or guardian. For example, if a child has been unwell, the parent writes a note or telephones the school to explain the absence.
Only the school can make an absence authorised. Parents do not have this authority. Consequently, not all absences supported by parents will be classified as authorised.
Working with Parents to Improve Attendance:
At Callowell we regularly review attendance and follow a simple 4 step process:
- Step 1: If your child’s is likely to become a persistent absentee ( when their attendance falls below 95%) We will send you a letter with your child’s attendance %
- Step 2: If your child’s attendance remains a concern and does not improve we will send you second letter and begin a 6 week attendance review period with an attendance target.
- Step 3. If your child’s attendance fails to meet the target and there is no improvement you will be expected to attend an attendance improvement meeting ( AIM)
- Step 4. At the AIM we will discuss with you barriers to attendance and explore ways in which the school can support with attendance. The school will explain the sanctions available for continued poor attendance, including legal procedures. The school will set another attendance target for the next 6 weeks following the AIM.
At all times, the school will do all it can to work with and support parents while maintaining a robust approach to pupil attendance.