KatherinesAttendance/Absence
Attendance and Punctuality
ABSENCE LINE – we do not have a separate line for absence.
Please telephone 01279 421 495 to report your child’s absence for the day. If you wish to leave a message before the school office phones are opened at 8:15am there is an answer phone service available.
Unaccompanied children should not be on the playground before 8.30 a.m. School doors open at 8:40am for children to come in. Pupils arriving after 8:45am must be brought to the school office to be signed in accordingly.
If registers have been taken your child will be marked in as ‘late’ and this may be followed up by the Education Welfare Officer, if lateness becomes consistent.
Registration is taken again at 1:00pm for KS1 and at 1:20pm for KS2 for the afternoon session. End of the school day is at 3:45pm (3:40pm for EYFS) at the end of the school day.
Child Absence
If your child is going to be absent from school please ring before 9:15am on the first day. If you are unable to speak to a member of staff then please leave a message stating your child’s name, class and reason for absence. If a specific reason is not left then we may call you back. When a child is absent and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school. In some instances, where an absence has not been reported, we may call at your home address to ensure your child’s safety.
For information and guidance when your child is ill, please click on the Childhood Illnesses Information form.
Childhood Illnesses Information
Leave of Absence from school
Term Time is school time - regulations state that we cannot grant leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance and there are exceptional circumstances (this is a leave of absence which we feel would be of unique and significant emotional, educational or spiritual value to the child which outweighs the loss of teaching time). Application in writing must be made to Mrs Norris. Any leave of absence that has not been authorised will be referred to the Missing Education and Child Employment Service. This may result in the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution proceedings, which carries a maximum penalty of £120 for each parent.
Important Reminder Regarding Leave of Absence
Holidays during term time are unauthorised by the school. Katherines Primary Academy strictly adheres to Essex County Council’s Code of Conduct in taking children out of school during term time. Leave taken without permission of the Head Teacher will be recorded as unauthorised, and you may be liable to a Penalty Notice resulting in a £60 fine per child, per parent. (Rising to £120 if not paid within 28 days).
Attendance
Our school target is 96.5%
Each week we present a trophy to the class with the best attendance.
Each term, the class who has achieved the highest attendance is rewarded with an exciting activity.
If your child’s attendance falls below 93% you will be picked up by the Education Welfare Officer and you may be asked to attend a meting in school.
How do I let the school know about medical and hospital appointments?
If the appointment really can’t be organised outside of school hours then you’ll need to write a letter to the School Office. The letter should state the date, time and type of appointment e.g. hospital, doctors etc and be accompanied by a copy of the actual appointment letter as well.
What should I do if my child is unwell and unable to go to school?
If your child is going to be absent from school please ring before 9:30am. You will be able to leave a message stating name, class and reason for absence. When your child is absent and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school. Depending on the amount of time your child has off school we may require medical evidence.