Attendance
At Menheniot Primary School we consider that good attendance is essential to good progress and to a child fulfilling their full potential. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind. Children with poor attendance tend to achieve less in both primary and secondary school. If a pupil misses one day a week for their entire school career they would lose the equivalent of two school years. The time missed at school can lead to gaps in knowledge that become difficult to fill.
We aim to raise levels of attendance through:
- promoting a welcoming and positive learning environment in which all children will feel safe and secure
- raising awareness of the importance of good attendance and punctuality
- monitoring attendance regularly and recording the reasons for absence accurately
- liaising with the County Educational Welfare team regarding unauthorised absences or high absence rates
- rewarding excellent and very good attendance through certificates
It is a legal requirement that children attend school and a parental responsibility to ensure that they do so.
Authorised Absences
There are times, however, when children are too ill to attend. It is important that the school office is informed of the reason for their absence as soon as possible, preferably before school begins. In these situations the absence will be marked as authorised. We ask that all medical appointments are taken out of school hours if possible but we are aware that this is not always possible. In such circumstances where the medical appointment is essential, this is likely to be authorised. In some situations we may request doctor's notes or evidence of medical appointments. Absences to compete in sporting events may be authorised on production of written evidence from a regulating body.
Attendance data for each individual falls into the following categories:
GREEN Band
96% - 100%
Good
AMBER Band
90% - 95%
Requires Improvement and as such, attendance is closely monitored.
RED Band
Below 90%
Serious Concerns and referral to the Educational Welfare Team
Children whose attendance falls below 90% are categorised by the Government as Persistent Absentees. At 90% your child is currently absent from school for an average of half a day per week. This level of absence will clearly cause considerable damage to your child's education.
We are aware that children may feel anxious about returning to school after a period of extended illness. In these situations please liaise with the class teacher, who will work with you to address any issues or worries.
Unauthorised Absences
Holidays in term time are not authorised by the school. Absences for birthdays, shopping or long weekends are not permitted. The cost of a holiday is not considered to be an exceptional circumstance.
We ask that anyone requesting an absence during term time, puts their request in writing on an application form with clear reasons for the request. Application forms are available from the office and a copy is attached below. These should be returned to the office at least 20 days before the commencement of the leave of absence. Exceptions to this timing will be made in the event of funerals and emergencies.
If your child is absent from school without authorisation, you will be committing an offence under the Education Act 1996. We may submit a request to Cornwall Council for a Penalty Notice to be issued, in accordance with Sections 444A and 444B of the said Act. Penalty Notices are issued per liable parent, per child and each carry a fine of £80 if paid within 21 days or £160 if paid after this but within 28 days.
If your child is further absent from school without authorisation within any 3-year period, you will be committing a further offence under the Education Act 1996. We may submit a request to Cornwall Council for a Penalty Notice to be issued, in accordance with Sections 444A and 444B of the said Act. Penalty Notices for a second offence are issued per liable parent, per child and each carry a fine of £160, payable within 28 days. Importantly, fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached, other action such as a parenting order or prosecution will be considered.
Failure to pay the Penalty Notice may also result in legal action. If you are prosecuted and attend court because your child has not been attending school, you could get a fine of up to £2,500. Cornwall Council may also apply for the costs incurred in taking the matter to Court, including legal costs.
Absence not authorised by the school may also result in a prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court under Section 444(1) or Section 444(1A) of the Education Act 1996, leading to a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a custodial sentence. Again, Cornwall Council may also apply for the costs incurred in taking the matter to Court, including legal costs.
Money raised from fines is only used by the local authority to cover the costs of administering the system, and to fund attendance support. Any extra money is returned to the government.
Attendance Policy - pupils Sept 2024.pdf
Penalty Notice Leaflet - effective 19.08.2024.pdf