SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND SECURITY

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Regular attendance is necessary for your child to receive the best education possible.  We keep a very accurate record of their attendance, including punctuality.  The register is marked for lateness and your child will be asked for an explanation.  A letter of explanation is necessary for an absence.

Any long period of absence, e.g. through ill health, will be monitored and support offered.  A revised curriculum may be necessary on a temporary basis.

In the event of unexplained absence or persistent lateness, the school will invite the parents to explain or discuss the situation.

At St Thomas More’s, we have, and aim to maintain, a good record of attendance. In the rare event of persistent problems, discussions with the Educational Welfare Officer will take place and may lead to legal proceedings.

Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child's regular attendance at school.  Headteachers may authorise leave of absence for up to two weeks (10 school days) in any school year to enable a child to go on a family holiday.  The Headteacher has to consider the reasons for the request, the effect on the continuity of the child's learning, and his / her overall attendance.  Only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave granted exceed (in total) more than two weeks in any year.  Holiday forms are available from the school office.  It is essential that children in Year 6 are present for their National Curriculum tests during May.

The school has adopted the government target of 95% attendance.  Any pupil whose attendance falls below this target will be monitored by the Headteacher and the Educational Welfare Officer.

Access to the school for parents and visitors is via the front office only.  All parents and visitors should sign in at the school office when they visit, and before visiting any classrooms.  Visitors will be issued with a badge to identify them, and any unknown person without a badge is to be challenged by any member of staff and told to report to the school office for a badge.