Attendance
Featherstone Academy seeks to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise his/her true potential. The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.
The school will establish an effective system of incentives and rewards that acknowledges the efforts of pupils to improve their attendance and timekeeping and will challenge the behaviour of those pupils and parents who give low priority to attendance and punctuality.
To meet these objectives, Featherstone Academy will establish an effective and efficient system of communication with pupils, parents and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support.
Punctuality
There will be no more soft starts.
As a result of government legislation we are legally required to extend the school day.
Reception: Doors open 8:50am - school starts at 08:55am – Drop at the Reception Classroom. Gates closed at 9:05am
Nursery: Doors open 8:55am - school starts 09:00am – Drop off at the nursery entrance. Gates are closed at 9:05am.
Years 1 – 6: 8:50am start – The gate will open at 08:45am and teachers will be ready for children to line up on the KS2 playground by the field and they will go inside together as a class at this time. Gates are closed at 8:50am. Arrivals after the designated start time will need to come through the school office and will be marked as late. If a child arrives at school after the above start times, without prior arrangements having been agreed, he/she will be deemed late. Registers close at 9.30 am and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Pupils arriving at school after gates are closed, must enter through the main reception and report to the school office to be signed in by an adult. Those pupils arriving after 9:00am will be recorded as late. Pupils leaving school for any reason must report to the office before they go so that we can ensure that they are appropriately chaperoned and signed out. Registers are also taken when the children return to classes after lunch. Unexplained absences will be investigated by the attendance officer.
What is expected of the pupils?
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To respect themselves and others
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To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually
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To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied
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To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging
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To be happy and encourage others to feel happy
What is expected of the Parents?
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To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
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To notify the school office on each day of your child's absence, by 9am.
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To offer a reason, and medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence
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To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
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To work closely with the school and Education Welfare Officers (EWO) to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance
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To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused and will likely incur a fine from the Local Authority.
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To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as SATS
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To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements
Holidays during term time are classed as an unauthorised absence from school and will result in a fine being imposed.
£60 per holiday, per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
£120 per holiday, per parent, per child if not paid within 21 days.
Court action will be taken if not paid after the 28 days.
100% attendance |
A fantastic attendance level. |
95% and above |
This is our target for all pupils. |
Below 95% |
Requires Improvement |
90% or less |
Persistent Absentee – (as defined by the Department of Education). This is the equivalent of up to 4 weeks off school or more/a day off school per fortnight. Your child’s attendance will be closely monitored and considered for further action. Penalty Notices can be issued for persistent absence.
Note – all cases are looked at on an individual basis and some children are unable to avoid lower attendance due to genuine circumstances. |