Attendance
At St Mary's, we understand the importance for all chidren to have good attendance at school. We aim for an environment which enables and encourages all pupils to achieve their potential and aspire to excellence.
For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and every child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless they have an unavoidable reason to be absent. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning.
Absence or late arrival also disrupts teaching routines and so may affect the learning of others in the same class.
Government research shows a direct link between attendance and attainment and good attenders also make better progress socially, learn to work with others, and are better prepared for the transition to secondary school and, eventually, higher education, training and employment.
It is very important therefore that you make sure that your child attends regularly and our Attendance policy sets out how together we will achieve this.
Our attendance target this year is 96%, but all pupils should strive to achieve 100% attendance if they can.
More information from Lancashire County Council
Supporting your child’s school attendance
Good school attendance habits are best started early. Children learn from those around them and you as parents/carers set the standards and expectations for them. Showing your child the importance of attending school every day not only helps your child to settle quickly when starting school but helps them to keep and maintain friendships and enjoy the school environment.
Be organised, have a plan, be consistent and involve your child.
You should:
- Create good routines for mornings at home so that your child can arrive punctually and they are properly equipped
- Talk to them about the things they have been learning. A short chat may produce a better result than a long list of questions.
- Read all school communications.
- Attend school parents evenings and functions.
- Check your child understands the homework and that it has been completed. Support them in completing homework by creating a calm space for them to work in.
- Avoid absence from school wherever possible. Avoid GP and dental appointments during school hours. Absence means your child will miss out on academic studies and begin to feel that education is not a priority. This can have a negative lifelong effect.
There tends to be good reasons why children become reluctant to attend school. Take the time to listen to your child, share any concerns you or your child may have with the appropriate member of school staff and seek support at the very earliest opportunity.
ILLNESS, ACCIDENTS & MEDICINES
If your child becomes ill or has an accident at school we may need to contact you. All parents are requested to give 3 emergency contact numbers at the start of each school year. Please inform us immediately of any changes.
Medicines should normally be administered at home. Some prescription medicines however may need to be administered at set times.
All prescription medicines should be clearly named, with the correct dosage. Parents should complete a form at the school office. Medicines should be handed into the office and collected at the end of the day by an adult.
SICKNESS
If your child has a sickness and/or diarrhea bug and there is a risk of spread to other pupils and staff, you should keep them at home for 48 hours following their last episode of sickness as per the ‘Guidance of infection control in schools and other childcare settings’. Thank you for your support with this matter.
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