Lateness

Children must attend on time to be given a present mark for the session. Children are expected to be in class by 8:55am. A child arriving after 9:15am will receive an L code (Late). The reason for this will be recorded, alongside the child’s name for monitoring purposes. The register closes at 9:30am. Where a pupil arrives after the register closes this will be classed as an unauthorised absence (code U as per DFE compulsory attendance codes).  The procedures for first day absence is then commenced by the Office Staff. 

Where regular or a pattern of lateness, schools will discuss this with parents and notify them through texts or letters. Parents/carers will be invited into school to discuss the concerns if the pattern or trend continues. This meeting will be to plan a way forward, which may involve outside agencies and the Education Welfare Officer.

Absence:

If a child is absent from, school parents should contact the school office on the

first day of absence and maintain contact with the school throughout the absence.

Messages around reasons for absence through classroom staff are discouraged.

It is the decision of the Headteacher  whether to accept a reason

for a child’s absence and whether to authorise that absence.

In the majority of cases a parents’ explanation that their child was ill can be

accepted without question or concern. In exceptional circumstances further evidence of a child’s illness may be requested. The Attendance Policy lists details.

Schools can challenge parents’ explanations or seek additional evidence if they have any concerns regarding a child’s attendance. 

YENTON PRIMARY SCHOOL is working in partnership with parents and the Local Authority to improve school attendance.   

A big thank you to the majority of parents who make sure their children attend school regularly!  

Your efforts, working in partnership with the school, will ensure that your child will have the best chance to achieve their academic potential and have real opportunity in further education and the world of work. It will also enable your child to:

• access the lessons needed to achieve their expected grades
• maintain friendships and develop new ones
• have access to social and sporting events offered by the school
• explore potential careers 
• develop work habits such as good punctuality which are essential to thrive in the world of employment

How does your child compare?

If you are worried about your child/children’s attendance the first port of call is

to discuss your concerns with the school directly. The school has specialist staff

who may be able to help, and all schools work closely with health and council

teams who may also be able to help if needed.  If you have concerns about

mental health; domestic abuse; parenting; bereavement; finance; problems with drugs and alcohol; you can find help and support from

the ‘From Birmingham with Love’ webpage:

From Birmingham with Love

Additionally, Birmingham City Council provides online information and guidance to parents on school attendance which you can access here:

School Attendance Information for Parents

Family holidays in term time are not allowed in law and are unlikely to be authorised. Family emergencies also need careful consideration. It is not always appropriate

or in the best interests of the child to miss school for emergencies which

are being dealt with by adult family members. Notifying the school of leave

due to a family emergency does not mean it will be authorised. 

Please note that where parents fail to ensure their child attends school regularly, legal action, including penalty notices, may be considered. See the MAT attendance policy.