School term dates are available on the East Ayrshire Council website. Please note dates can change depending on local and national circumstances. The school is open to pupils 190 days per year, and staff attend an additional 5 days for in-service training and development.
The law requires all parents to provide an education for their child. Regular and punctual attendance is linked closely to achievement and staff will work with families to ensure that children can achieve their full potential.
The law requires that educational establishments maintain an accurate record of attendance and absence of each pupil. Families are requested to assist in this process by informing the school if children are to be absent for any reason.
If your child is not going to be attending, please let us know by 09:15 on the first day of absence, explaining the reason. This is most easily done by phoning the school office on (01563) 526115. You can also email.
Where your child’s absence is approved, for example a medical appointment or the school is notified of a sickness absence, it is marked as an authorised absence.
Where an absence is unexplained by the family the absence is marked as unauthorised.
We value good attendance and follow up on unauthorised absences, or continued absence from school. Where a child exhibits a pattern of absence which may warrant investigation – and if we cannot contact you, or your other emergency contacts – then other appropriate support services may be contacted. This might include other family members, a social worker or other concerned party, requesting that they visit your home to investigate and report back on their findings.
Where pupils are having difficulties in attending school, for any reason whatsoever, please let us know so that appropriate supports can be put in place.
The Scottish Government requires that holidays taken during term time should be recorded as unauthorised absence unless there are special, exceptional circumstances.
Should you wish to remove your child from school to attend a family holiday you must inform the Head Teacher or Depute Head Teacher. This will be recorded as unauthorised absence, though there may at times be exceptional family circumstances, which should be discussed with the well in advance.
Absences will also be authorised where a pupil is going to a religious ceremony or a wedding of someone very close to them or if they are a Gypsy/Traveller and are currently travelling, as long as you keep in touch with your child’s teacher.
Families are advised to limit the number of holidays taken during term time, to minimise disruption to their child’s education.
