In accordance with our mission statement we will encourage good attendance for all pupils, by offering an environment in which all pupils feel valued and part of the school community.

We will

 Promote a culture across the school which identifies the importance of regular and punctual attendance.

 Make attendance and punctuality a priority for all those associated with the school; including pupils, parents, teachers and governors.

 Further develop positive and consistent communication between home and school.

 Set targets to improve individual, vulnerable group and whole school attendance levels.

Missing school can disrupt a child's learning progression, as well as their ability to engage with peers and participate in ongoing projects. Parental support in maintaining regular school attendance is highly appreciated and can make a significant difference in a pupil's educational journey.

Parents/carers should obtain permission from the headteacher before taking a child out of school for leave during term time for any reason.

Absences taken without permission may be unauthorised by the school. Parents do not have the automatic right to insist that school absences are authorised, only the school may decide how to mark the register. Schools must take into account the statutory Department for Education (DfE) guidance when deciding whether to authorise a leave request. Schools can grant a leave of absence for exceptional circumstances at their discretion.

Generally, the DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance. Leave of absence should not be granted for a pupil to take part in protest activity during school hours.

Where absences are not authorised and meet the qualifying trigger (10 sessions (equivalent of 5 days) in a rolling 10 school-week period), schools must consider applying to the Local Authority (LA) for a penalty notice. Upon receipt of such an application, the LA may decide to either issue a penalty notice or institute other legal action (eg prosecution).

We hope all parents will acknowledge and understand the limitations placed on schools in granting any leave in term time. Therefore, we need parents to support the school in our efforts to reduce unnecessary absence and thus minimise the impact on the education of our pupils.