ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S COLLEGE ATTENDANCE POLICY
Introduction
Regular school attendance is crucial in raising standards in education and ensuring that every child can have full access to the school curriculum and reach their potential.
St John the Baptist’s College will strive to promote an ethos and culture which encourages good attendance and where each pupil will feel valued and secure.
Aims
Role of the School
The Principal of St John the Baptist’s College has overall responsibility for school attendance; staff should bring any concerns regarding school attendance to her attention.
The Board of Governors provide support by reviewing school attendance figures and targets and ensuring it is placed as an agenda item a termly meeting.
Teaching staff regularly monitor the attendance and punctuality of pupils by ensuring that attendance is recorded during form class and for each period during the day.
To enable our school to accurately record and monitor attendance in a consistent way we will adhere to the guidance provided in the Department of Education Circular 2017/15, which can be found at the following link:
www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/circular-201715-attendance-guidance-andabsence-
recording-by-schools
St John the Baptist’s College is committed to working with parents to encourage regular and punctual attendance.
Role of Parent
Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their child of compulsory school age receives efficient full time education suitable to age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs they may have, either by regular school attendance or otherwise.
If a child is registered in school, their parent has a legal duty to ensure that they regularly attend that school.
It is a parent’s responsibility to inform the school of the reason for a pupil’s absence on the first day of absence. If the absence is likely to be prolonged, this information should be provided to enable the school to assist with homework or any other necessary arrangements which may be required.
St John the Baptist’s College Phone No. 028 3833 4725
Pupils are expected to be in school at 8.45am for registration and the beginning of classes. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that your child is punctual. Lateness is recorded at registration and on your child’s attendance record. Parents are asked to contact the school before 9.00am if their child is going to be absent that day. If parents have not got in touch as requested then the automated call system will contact parents by phone on the first day of their child’s absence, asking for a reason and return date. Please ensure that you have given the school a current telephone number.
If you child appears reluctant to attend school please discuss the matter promptly with the class teacher, Principal or EWO (Education Welfare Officer) to ensure that both you and your child receive maximum support.
Role of Pupils
Each pupil at St John the Baptist’s College must attend school punctually, regularly and properly prepared. If you have been absent from school, a written note from a parent/guardian must be provided to your teacher when you return if the reason has not already been telephoned.
Absence Procedures
If a reason for absence has not already been communicated to the school, parents/guardians are required to complete the attached absence notification form which provides a clear reason for any absence. There are also copies on the school website.
Parents/Guardians are asked where possible to arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours. Where this is unavoidable, the pupil must bring in a note and have it signed in the morning by the Form Teacher. Pupils must sign out in the General Office giving the time of departure and a time of return if applicable. Pupils must also sign in again on return. These measures are to ensure that we know which pupils are on the premises in case of an emergency. Pupils are not permitted to leave school without permission.
In the interests of child protection, no pupil under 16 years of age will be permitted to leave school during the school day without permission from a parent/guardian and a member of SLT. All students must be collected from the General Office by a parent or trusted adult.
Family holidays during Term Time
St John the Baptist’s College discourages holidays during term time due to the impact they have on pupils’ learning. Family holidays taken during term time will be categorised as an unauthorised absence. Only in exceptional circumstances will a holiday be authorised.
Procedures for Managing Non-attendance
Form Teachers will monitor pupil attendance in their form classes and inform Mr Lynch, Head of Care and Well Being of any absences during their weekly meetings.
Parents will be notified of school concerns and meetings held where necessary to address the problem.
Procedures will be put in place to help pupils and parents/guardians comply with regular school attendance.
The Education and Welfare Service will monitor pupil attendance, especially those who fall below 85%.
Education Welfare Service
The Education Authority, through the Education Welfare Service (EWS), has a legal duty to make sure that parents meet their responsibility towards their children’s education.
If a pupil’s absence causes concern, or if their attendance falls below 85%, they will be referred to the EWS, if appropriate. EWS will support staff and parents in developing and implementing strategies to address or improve school attendance.
Rewarding Attendance
Pupils who achieve 100% attendance for the month will be in with the chance of winning a prize each month in a special assembly hosted by Grace Black. The names of all pupils with 100% attendance will be placed in a hat and the first 3 picked out receive prizes.