Attendance, Punctuality and Planned Absence

Attendance

At Southbroom St James Academy, we aim to ensure that all our 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.

Now that Covid restrictions have disappeared, and after a difficult couple of years, we understand that there may be a temptation to take children on a holiday. We also appreciate that in the current financial climate this may be cheaper to do during term time. However, whilst we recognise there will be a need and benefit to this, we must also stress the importance of children attending school regularly given how much time will have been missed in school during the pandemic. 

The Government have been clear that attendance at school is a national priority and ensuring regular attendance is a legal responsibility of parents/carers.

Leave of Absence Procedures

As detailed in our Attendance Policy, and in line with DfE guidance, we do not authorise leave of absence during term other than when exceptional circumstances permit. Exceptional circumstances does not cover holidays that may prove more expensive at any other time of the year. If you wish to take your child out of school, during term time, it is important to discuss this with us as much in advance as possible so we can guide you through the process. 

For any term-time leave please complete an absence request form and email as soon as possible to admin@southbroomstjames.dsat.org.uk

Alternatively return a printed copy (available from the school entrance) to the school office.

Where absence is unauthorised, it could lead to further action being taken including a penalty notice being issued.

Forms must be completed by an adult with parental responsibility for the child.

Planned Absence

For all term-time leave (including medical and dental appointments), please complete an absence request form.

Please email the completed form to admin@southbroomstjames.dsat.org.uk. Alternatively return a printed copy (available from the school entrance) to the school office.

Punctuality

The school gates open at 8:35 and children are able to enter their classroom from 8.35am. The school day starts promptly at 8.50 a.m. If a child arrives at school after 8.50 a.m. without prior arrangements having been agreed, he/she will be deemed late.  Registers close at 8.55 a.m. 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 8:55 a.m. must enter through the main doors and report to the school office to be signed in by an adult. 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 school and potentially the Education Welfare Officer. (EWO)

What is expected of the pupils?

• To respect themselves and others

• To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually

• To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied 

• To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging 

• To be happy and encourage others to feel happy

What is expected of the Parents?

• To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum 

• To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence 

• To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness 

• To work closely with the schools Early Help Co-ordinator to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance

• To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in special/exceptional circumstances. 

• To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as SATS (Y2 & Y6), Phonics assessment weeks (Y1 and Y2)  and Multiplication Check Weeks (Y4) 

• To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements

Illness

Please see the attached guidance from Public Health England regarding children's illnesses and school attendance.