Attendance

Platt Church of England Primary School is committed to the continuous raising of achievement of all our pupils. Regular attendance is critical if our pupils are to be successful and benefit from the opportunities presented to them.

Platt Church of England Primary School will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

To meet these objectives Platt Church of England Primary School will establish an effective and efficient system of communication with pupils, parents and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support.

Punctuality

The school day starts promptly at 8.45am; pupils are expected to arrive between 8:35-8:45am. All pupils who arrive late must report, with their parent to the school office where the reason for lateness is recorded. The pupil will be marked as late before registration has closed (Code ‘L’). Registers close at 9.00 a.m. and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Pupils leaving school for any reason must report to the office before they go so that we can ensure that they are appropriately chaperoned and signed out. Registers are also taken when the children return to classes after lunch. Unexplained absences will be investigated by the attendance officer.

What is expected of the pupils?

To respect themselves and others
To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually
To inform a trusted adult if they feel unhappy coming in to school for any reason
To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging
To be happy and encourage others to feel happy

What is expected of the parents/carers?

To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence
To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
To work closely with the school and Attendance Service (AS) to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance
To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in special/exceptional circumstances.
To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as SATS
To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements

As part of the Kent Local Authority, we work closely with the School Attendance Support Service to ensure that all children are attending school regularly. Information about this service is available by clicking the link below:

School attendance - Kent County Council

Policies, Procedures & Attendance Letters

Policies/attendance-policy-sept-2022.docx

Leave of Absence Procedures

As detailed in our Attendance Policy, and in line with DfE guidance, we do not authorise leave of absence during term other than when exceptional circumstances permit. If you wish to take your child out of school, during term time, it is important to discuss this with us as much in advance as possible so we can guide you through the process.

However, where absence is unauthorised, it could lead to further action being taken including a penalty notice being issued. Department for Education information regarding this is available by CLICKING HERE.

Leave of Absence During Term Time

Please collect and complete a form from the school office.

Attendance Guidance & Information