Supportive Information for Families
Attendance at school is of a paramount importance to ensure opportunities for learning are maximised and your child succeeds in all aspects of school life.
School term dates are published on the East Ayrshire Council website, and you can always check there for the most up-to-date information. Please be aware that these dates can be updated due to local or national circumstances. Children are expected to attend school for 190 days each year, and staff take part in 5 additional in-service training and professional development days.
All parents/carers must ensure their child receives an education. Regular attendance and arriving on time are very closely linked to learning success, so school staff are committed to working with families to help every child reach their full potential.
Schools are required by law to keep an accurate record of each pupil’s attendance and absence. You help us with this by letting us know if your child will be away from school for any reason. If your child will not be attending school, please contact us by 9.10 am on the first day of absence, stating the reason. The easiest way to do this is by calling the school office on 01560 482035 or using the email — you may also email if that is easier using our school app.
Where you inform us in advance — for example for a medical appointment, or we are notified of a sickness absence — the absence will be recorded as authorised. If we don’t hear from you to explain an absence, it is recorded as unauthorised.
We value good attendance and do follow up on unauthorised or ongoing absences. Where a child shows a pattern of absence that may require further attention, and if we cannot contact you or your emergency contacts, we may discuss this with appropriate support services. This could include family members, a social worker, or another identified supporter who may visit your home and report back.
If your child is finding it difficult to attend school for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible — we want to work with you to put the right support in place.
Family Holidays
The Scottish Government’s guidance states that holidays taken during term time should be recorded as unauthorised absence unless there are special, exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to remove your child from school to attend a family holiday, please discuss this with the school in advance. In the majority of cases, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence, although exceptional family situations can be considered.
Where relevant, absences will be authorised for attendance at a religious ceremony, a close family wedding, or for Gypsy/Traveller families who are travelling, so long as you keep in touch with your child’s teacher.
We encourage families to limit holidays during term time so that disruption to your child’s education is kept to a minimum.
Health Protection in Children and Young People Settings Guidance
Public Health Scotland have updated guidance to raise awareness of when parents/carers should keep their children off school. Please see below.
