Attendance
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ATTENDANCE
Here at Coppice Farm, good attendance is a priority and a key part of our children’s success, linked directly to our school values:
Our Coppice Farm attendance target is to exceed 96% attendance each week.
Being on time and coming to school everyday on time is vital so that learning is not missed. Our school day starts at 8.50am for pupils with class doors closing at 9am promptly.
An attendance rate of 96% is generally considered good; this allows for children to miss 9.5 days across the school year.
Persistent absence (PA) is defined as an attendance rate of 90% or below.
Attendance has a huge impact on a pupils all round experience and success – academically, socially and emotionally:
What are these changes?
Every minute matters so making sure your child is in school on time is so important.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
If your child is ill, please take them to a doctor and obtain a medical appointment card so we can update your records as early and accurately as possible. You should make contact with school every day so we can update our records on a daily basis.
Sometimes your child can feel mildly under the weather but they are actually well enough to attend school. If this is the case and your child deteriorates throughout the day, then you will be contacted immediately. The guidance from the NHS is as follows for various medical conditions and illnesses.
Remember, only keep your child at home if it is necessary.
The following types of absence may be marked as authorised:
- Leave of absence authorised by the Head Teacher (such as time off due to bereavement - this also includes half day requests)
- Holidays authorised by the headteacher, who must specify how many days are approved. These should only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
- Illness: you must notify your child’s school on the morning of their first day of absence. If your child has coronavirus, you MUST keep them at home from at least 3 days from the day after they developed symptoms or had a positive test. If the school disputes the authenticity of their illness, you will be asked for medical evidence such as a doctor’s note, an appointment card or a copy of their prescription.
- Medical or dental appointments, although these should be arranged outside school hours whenever possible an proof of the appointment should be provided.
- Religious observance.
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller absence when the family is travelling for occupational purposes.
- Offsite educational activities - this could include music, dance or drama exams, or participation in a sporting event. Approval is at the school’s discretion.
What absences are not authorised?
Certain types of absence will be marked as unauthorised. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, agreed by the headteacher, time off for holidays is always unauthorised.
Absences where the parents haven’t given the school a reason are also recorded as unauthorised.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your child is at school.
If your child doesn’t go to school and you haven’t phoned in your notification, you’ll be contacted by the school to find out why they’re absent.
Further information and guidance: Nottinghamshire County Council / Holidays during term time
