Attendance Policy

At Staincliffe CofE Junior school, we are committed to Safeguarding.

Please click here to view our current Attendance Policy.

Attendance & Communication

Everybody at Staincliffe CE Junior School is committed to ensuring that each of our children gets the best possible start to life. One way we can do this is through ensuring regular school attendance. Evidence shows that children who attend school regularly are more successful, not only in school, but in all areas of life.

The last year has not been easy for any of us, and we are still seeing the effects and impact of the virus within our community. However, attendance at school is compulsory and term time holidays will not be authorised (except in exceptional circumstances).

You should not take your children out of school during term time unless you are granted authorised leave of absence by the head teacher. If you do take your child out of school without the leave of absence being authorised, the head teacher may direct the Council to take measures to issue either a penalty notice or prosecute you as parents. In certain circumstances, schools may remove the child from the register if leave of absence is taken for an unreasonable amount of time. The penalty notice is for £60, per parent, per child which rises to £120 if you don't pay within 21 days. If you don't pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted (under Section 444 of the Education Act) for the offence of failing to ensure your child's regular attendance at school. You will receive a separate summons for this which will give you notice of the time and date of the court hearing.

We know that illness is unavoidable and to be expected and we’re all a little more cautious due to our experiences during the pandemic. However, it is very important to inform the school on the first day of absence with the reason either by phone, by email or in person at the school office. All schools have a ‘First Day Calling’ Procedure, which means if school has not received a reason for absence, then the following procedure will be followed:

1. A phone call and/or text to the first name on the contact list asking for a call to school to notify and confirm the reason for absence.
2. If there is no response, school will ring numbers on the contact list, until a reply is received.
3. If school have had no response, school will send a second text and a home visit will be made if possible, by either school staff or other agencies working with the family.
4. School will contact the Police if all other stages have been completed and there is still no contact regarding the absent child. We need to ensure that all children are accounted for, and if we are unable to make contact, then the Police will be informed. Please note that this procedure is in place in all schools to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and families.

Should your child fall ill, or have a bump whilst at school, a member of the office team will ring home for any injury above the neck; any injury we think needs proper medical attention (i.e. A&E); if a child is physically sick or if a child has persistent symptoms. We will not ring home for any minor injuries such as paper cuts; splinters; grazes; minor twisted ankle injuries; headaches or toothache (unless they present persistently).

We hope that you will continue to support us in improving our school attendance by making sure the children are here everyday and learning. Please speak to a member of staff if you need any support with your child’s attendance.