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Lateness and Absence Procedures

LATENESS

It is very important that all children arrive at the academy on time so that they do not miss morning routines and the start of lessons.  Parents/carers have a duty to ensure that children arrive on time and are prepared for the day.  Children should be escorted onto the premises at 8.50am and registers are taken at 9.00am.  Punctuality is closely monitored and parents/carers are required to sign children into the academy if they are late and provide a reason for lateness.  Parents/carers, who are persistently late, may be referred to the Educational Welfare Officer.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE

At Waddington Redwood Primary Academy, we set a target for overall absence. If a child’s attendance falls below 97%, parents/carers will be contacted unless there are good reasons for the absence.

If for any reason your child is unwell, please contact the academy to let us know as soon as possible. If we do not hear from you, we will telephone that morning to find out why your child is absent. On his/her return, please write a brief note explaining the reason for their absence, and any details, as the class teacher may need to know. To read more about our attendance procedures, please read our Attendance Policy. 

REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

A list of academy holidays is available from the academy office and the academy website. This list will help you to plan your own holidays to coincide with academy holidays as far as possible, thus avoiding any loss of schooling for your child. We are committed to providing the very best education possible for your child. There is a close link between attendance and progress.

According to the Education (Amendment) Regulations 2013, Headteachers can only grant leave of absence in ‘exceptional’ circumstances. If leave of absence is requested, parents/carers must apply in writing at least 4 weeks in advance to the Headteacher giving the following details:

• name of the child;

• the child’s class;

• name of parent/carer, address and contact details;

• the proposed start date of the leave of absence;

• the proposed end date of the leave of absence;

• the reason for the request, including stating the ‘exceptional circumstances’.
 

Evidence may be requested to substantiate requests e.g. medical appointment card, letter from employer. Granting leave of absence will be at the discretion of the headteacher taking into account the academy’s Attendance Policy, the child’s previous attendance pattern, the nature of the absence and the impact on the child’s education.

Requests for leave of absence during statutory assessment periods will not be authorised.

The Local Authority can fine parents/carers for taking their child out of school without permission.