PUPIL ABSENCE PROCEDURES

https://www.angus.gov.uk/schools_and_young_people/parent_and_pupil_guidance/attendance_and_absence

Attendance (Pre-school only)

On accepting a pre-school place for your child you are agreeing that they will attend for 5 x 2.5 hour sessions per week. Children who attend in this regular pattern settle well into the pre-school routine, have the opportunity to build firm relationships with adults and peers and experience continuity of learning. During the induction period however, adaptations are made to meet the needs to of the individual child.

Attendance

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school regularly and arrive on time. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of their children on their journeys to and from school.

Regular and punctual attendance is linked closely to achievement and school staff wish to work with parents to ensure that children can reach their full potential. The school is required by law to maintain an accurate record of the attendance and absence of each pupil and parents are requested to assist in this process by keeping the school informed if their child is to be absent for any reason.

It is important to note that if a child does not arrive at school and there is no reasonable explanation provided for his/her absence then members of staff will be required to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of the individual child. In order to avoid causing unnecessary concern for staff and parents the importance of good communication between home and school cannot be over-emphasised.

Parents are asked to assist school staff in the manner detailed below:

• if your child is unable to attend school through illness please telephone the school between 9.00 and 9.45 am on the first day of his/her absence.
• if you would find it more convenient to send in a note via your child’s brother or sister or a friend that would also be acceptable.
• if your child becomes unwell at lunchtime and is unable to return to school in the afternoon please telephone the school before the beginning of the afternoon session to inform a member of staff.
• when you contact the school it would be helpful if an indication could be given as to the child’s expected length of absence from school.
• on your child’s return to school a note should be provided explaining the reason for absence and confirming the periods of absence from the school. The note should be signed and dated.

Planned Absence

• parents are encouraged not to arrange family holidays during term time but it is realised that, in exceptional circumstances, this is unavoidable. In such cases, parents are asked to provide the Head Teacher with information of the dates when the child is to be absent from the school in good time.
• except in cases of emergency, planned appointments for children to attend the dentist or doctor should be made out with the school day.

Contact Details

• parents are asked to ensure that telephone contact numbers – home, work and emergency contact(s) are kept up-to-date and are numbers at which a response can be obtained in all normal circumstances.