Attendance
Regular school attendance is essential for primary school children as it lays the foundation for their academic success, social development, and overall well-being.
We expect pupils to be in school for 97% of the academic year, as this allows them to benefit fully from consistent learning, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop essential life skills. Every day counts, and even a few missed days can disrupt a child's learning journey. By working together - parents, schools, and communities - we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes good attendance and helps children reach their full potential.
How do you celebrate attendance?
At Martongate, attendance will be celebrated throughout the academic year. Each term, children who have 100% attendance will receive an attendance certificate and small prize which will be presented during a celebration assembly. At the end of the academic year, any child who has maintained 100% attendance will receive a voucher for a free session at Leisure World.
Whilst we understand that 100% attendance is our aim, many children have periods of absence which is unavoidable. Children whose attendance has improved over the term will be entered into a draw and the winners will also receive a certificate and small prize.
What if my child is ill?
If your child is ill, on the first day of absence please leave a message via the absence line by calling 01262 673975 and selecting option 1, before 10am. The message needs to include: child's full name, class number & a detailed reason for absence (this should be symptoms and time of onset). Please note, "unwell" is not a detailed reason for absence.
The school will require parents to update the school each day regarding their child's progress.
If your child has diarrhoea, sickness, or both, they need must not attend school for 48 hours from the last bout of illness.
How do I request time from school (leave of absence)?
Parents will be required to request certain types of absence in advance and this can be completed through a Leave of Absence form, which are available from the school office. All requests for absence will considered on an individual basis and will take best interests of the pupil and the impact on the pupil’s education into account. The school will expect parents to complete the Leave of Absence form at least two weeks prior to the proposed start date of the leave of absence, providing the reason for the proposed absence and the dates during which the absence would be expected to occur. If term-time leave is not granted, taking a pupil out of school will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may result in sanctions, such as a penalty notice (fine).
What are authorised and unauthorised absences?
An absence is considered 'authorised' when the school has given permission for your child to miss school. As a Horizon school, the following reasons are acceptable for a child to be absent:
- sickness/illness
- medical appointments that have to be made within school hours as no other appointments are available
- approved religious observance
- exceptional family circumstances
An absence is considered 'unauthorised' when the school has not given permission for your child to miss school. As a Horizon school, the following reasons are not acceptable for a child to be absent:
- term-time holidays
- getting up late
- looking after siblings or relatives
- visiting friends and family
- birthdays or shopping
In a rare, specific emergency, or an exceptional situation, the school has the power to authorise a short, limited period of absence. The only reasons for which this can be considered are: service personnel who are prevented from taking holidays outside term time; an acute crisis within the family, where the family needs to spend time together to support each other; court order/formal agreement where parents have separated.
Will I be fined for a term-time holiday?
The Government have encouraged Local Authorities and schools to make it clear to parents that holidays during term time are not an acceptable reason for absence from school; therefore, term-time holidays will be considered unauthorised and may result in a penalty notice (fine). Penalty notices will be issued if a child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence (5 full school days) within a ten week period. All proceeds from penalty notices go directly to the Local Authority; the school does not benefit financially from fines which have been issued.
What is persistent absence?
A child is considered persistently absent if their attendance falls below 90%. The reasons for persistent absence are varied and may be complex. Some children who are persistent absentees will be so for reasons that are unavoidable and justifiable, such as an operation or medical treatment. Our school will closely monitor attendance and identify pupils or groups of pupils who are at risk of becoming, or who are, persistently absent. Parents and carers of pupils who fall into the persistent absence category will be supported by the school using the Persistent Absence Pathway.
