Attendance and Punctuality

Bronze = 6 weeks 100% attendance and punctuality

Silver   = 10 weeks 100% attendance and punctuality

Gold     = 20 weeks 100% attendance and punctuality

 

Any child who receives all three badges will be rewarded with a school trip in July.

It is very important children attend school. Research shows that one lesson missed, can have an affect on student attainment and achievement.  

Final Attendance for the year	Equal to days absent	Equal to weeks absent
95%	9 days	2 weeks
90%	19 days	4 weeks
85%	29 days	6 weeks
80%	38 days	8 weeks
75%	48 days	10 weeks
70%	57 days	11.5 weeks
65%	67 days	13.5 weeks

 

Pupils are required to attend school for 190 days each year

Our whole school target for attendance is at least 97.0%

Information for Parents

Section 23(1) Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2007

Penalty notices may be issued to the parent of pupils who have unauthorised absence from school.  The amount of the penalty is £60

• If this is not paid within 28 days the amount rises to £120.
• If not paid within 42 days the Local Authority may prosecute under section 444(1) unless it comes to our attention that the penalty notice has been issued in error.

Section 444(1) Education Act 1996:

"If you are the parent of a child of compulsory school age who fails to attend school regularly, you are guilty of an offence."

• The court can fine each parent up to £1,000 per child, order payment of the prosecution costs and/or make a Parenting Order.

Section 444(1A) Education Act 1996:

"If in the above circumstances you, the parent, know that your child is failing to attend regularly at the school and fail without reasonable justification to cause him/her to attend, you are guilty of an offence."

• The court can fine you up to £2,500 per child and/or sentence you to a period of imprisonment of up to 3 months, and order payment of the prosecution costs.

Please note that:

• Penalties and prosecution are in respect of each parent for each child
• 'Parent' includes any person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for the child (and applies whether or not that person lives with the child) or who has care of him/her.

These prosecutions are criminal proceedings and could result in you having a criminal record.

Leaving in Term Time - Legal Guidance for Parents/ Carers

It is essential for children to be in school regularly to benefit fully from their educational opportunties.  Good attendance will ensure that children can reach their full potential.  To achieve this, children need to attend school every day.  We are sure you would not jeopardise your children's academic progress by taking them away during term time.

The importance of school attendance is such the law has now changed and Head teachers/Principal's may now only grant leave in term time where the circumstances are exceptional.  This is in line with Birmingham Local Authority's 'Leave in term time guidance' and the 2013 Amendment to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations.

For example:

• death of parent/carer or sibling of the pupil
• life threatening or critical illness of parent or sibling of the pupil
• parent/carer recuperation and convalescence from critical illness or surgery (leave request to be made within 6 months of recovery and medical evidence required)

Family emergencies need careful consideration.  It is not always in the best interest of the child; nor appropriate for them to miss school for family emergencies that are being dealt with by adult family members.  Being at school, friendships and support from staff can provide a safe and familiar background during times of uncertainty.

If you have exceptional circumstances which have lead you to request leave in term time for your child/ren, please complete the requires form, which you can obtain from School.  The Head Teacher/ Principal will then make a decision on whether or not the leave can be lawfully authorised and will do so only if there is a genuine, exceptional and urgent reason for a child to be absent during term time.

If a child is taken out of school without the Head Teachers/ Principals authorisation, it will be recorded as unauthorised absence.  This may lead to the issuing of a penalty notice and legal action being taken.

Section 23 (1) Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2007:

Penalty notices may be issued to the parent of pupils who have unauthorised absence from school.  The amount of the penalty is £60.

• If this is not paid within 21 days the amount rises to £120
• If not paid within 28 days the Local Authority will prosecute under section 444(1) unless it comes to our attention that the penalty notice had been issued in error.

Section 444(1) Education Act 1996:

"If you are the parent of a child of compulsory school age who fails to attend school regularly, you are guilty of an offence."

The court can fine each parent £1,000 per child, order payment of the prosecution costs and/or make a Parenting Order.

Please note that:

• penalties and prosecutions are in respect of each parent for each child.
• 'Parent' includes any person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for the child (and applies whether or not that person lives with the child) or who has care of him/her.

These prosecutions are criminal proceedings and could result in you having a criminal record.

If you feel that your child/children needs leave in term time please download and complete the following document.