Lateness and Punctuality
Arriving at school on time and ready to learn is the best start to the day for our children. Even being 5 minutes late per day can add up to 3.4 school days missed a year.
Attendance Matters!
At Forest School our target is for children to have at least 95% attendance. It is important that parents and carers understand that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their children are receiving efficient full-time education.
Did you know that 90% attendance is the equivalent to half a day off school per week and a learner who has 10 days of holiday in term time can only achieve a maximum of 94.7% attendance for that school year?
Obviously we have been through some challenging times, with children advised to stay at home if they are unwell, but poor attendance may be due to other reasons that we can help you with. If you are struggling to get your child into school, or feel they are worried about something – please get in touch immediately so that we can help you.
Children with persistent lateness and low attendance are discussed with the School’s Attendance Service every half term and are monitored weekly in school.
Forest School will send out letters if attendance or lateness is on the decline. I will also call parents to follow up the letters and to see if support is needed and may request a meeting.
If your child is genuinely unwell and unable to attend school, please telephone the school first thing in the morning and leave a message. We must have a reason for every time a child is absent from school.
If we have not been able to make contact with you we may inform the Schools’ Attendance Service or possibly inform the police or social services. Some of these measures may seem extreme but it is our duty to ensure the safeguarding of every pupil at Forest School.
You can help prevent your child missing school by:
• making sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality
• taking an interest in their education – ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities
• discussing any problems they may have at school and letting their teacher or me know about anything serious
• not letting them take time off school for minor ailments – particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work
• arrange appointments after school hours, at weekends and during holidays
You should not expect Forest Primary School to agree to your child going on holiday during term time – this will be marked as an unauthorised absence as per the States of Guernsey Attendance Policy. We appreciate the challenges that some parents face when booking holidays, particularly during the school holidays. However, regular attendance at school is vital in helping children and young people to achieve their full potential and get the best possible start in life.
We are working really hard to encourage children to come to school every single day so that they can achieve their full potential and be the best they can be. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or worries about your child’s attendance.
Leave of Absence
If leave of absence from school is required for a pupil, parents and carers are asked to complete a Leave of Absence form and return it to the school office for the attention of the Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher.