Attendance

Lateness

Norris Bank Primary School has to monitor attendance and lateness and pass on the information to the LA. Punctuality is extremely important, but we prefer children to arrive late rather than not at all. If you are late for school, you are required to sign your child in at the office at the main entrance.


Sickness

If a child is absent from school due to sickness, a telephone call before 11am or written note is required.


Medical

If the child is attending a medical appointment, evidence of the appointment needs to be provided for our school records.


Request for Leave of Absence

Where permission for an absence during term time is requested, due to exceptional circumstances, a Request for Leave of Absence form must be completed at least two weeks before the time requested explaining the reason for the request and handed to the office with any other evidence to support the application for the Headteacher to assess.

Holidays in term time do not qualify as exceptional circumstances and cannot be authorised by the school.

With effect from 1st September 2013, the law concerning term time holidays and leave of absence has changed. Previously schools were allowed to authorise pupils to miss up to 10 days’ school a year for the purpose of family holidays if they felt there were special circumstances which justified it. This right has now been abolished. Schools are now only allowed to authorise leave of absence from school for any reason if they are satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances.

The effect of this change means that it is now very unlikely that permission for pupils for leave of absence for holidays or other purposes will be granted. Schools may also require evidence to be provided before agreeing to authorise any exceptional leave of absence.


Education Penalty Notices

At Governing Body meetings of all primary schools and our local high school held during the Autumn and Spring terms, term attendance and leave of absence was discussed. All governing bodies agreed to the issuing of Education Penalty Notices by the Local Authority if holidays or other leave of absence are taken during term time without permission.

Education Penalty Notices are fixed penalty fines of £60 (rising to £120 if unpaid within 21 days) per parent per child by the Local Authority.

Parents should be aware that this policy will apply at Norris Bank Primary School with effect from Monday 1st September 2014.


Dental or Hospital Treatment

If it is known a child will be absent due to a visit to the doctor or dentist, please inform the school office in advance. Please ensure that the child is collected and returned to school by a responsible adult and signed out and into the building.


Attendance

The Educational Welfare Officer comes into school half termly to audit attendance and ensure absences are valid and explained and that parents have provided the necessary paperwork. and is available. If you have a problem or confidential matter you would like to discuss, especially regarding attendance.


Medical Needs

School is an inclusive community that is supportive to children with medical needs. We work closely with the Nursing Service and staff are trained to deal with a range of needs in partnership with parents. It is vital that all complex medical conditions are shared with the school before children start so that individual health plans can be put into place. We do not have facilities to store antibiotics on the premises, but parents are welcome to come into school and administer regular medication.


School Nurse

Victoria Hudson, our school nurse, visits school and is pleased to help parents with health-related matters. She is available on 07738261225.


The welfare and safety of our children at Norris Bank is of paramount importance. We are aware of child protection issues and are obliged to follow the Authority guidelines if a situation occurs or a child is judged to be at risk.