Skip to content ↓

Attendance

Schools and parents have a legal duty with regard to student attendance. Communication with the school is vital. Student absence from school for any reason (illness, appointments, truancy) is a serious issue and we need to encourage open and honest communication between parents and the school. 

Poor attendance, for any reason, will be investigated by our Education Social Worker (ESW). The ESW will liaise with the student and the parent/carer in an effort to support and hopefully alter the situation. However, in some cases, when all else fails, the school may resort to fixed penalty fines or even prosecution. Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, ‘The parent/guardian is responsible for ensuring their child receives a full time education.’

St Peter’s School has the benefit of a full time Education Social Worker (ESW). If you have any concerns or problems with regard to your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to contact our ESW on 01202 421141 Ext 2289.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

Illness
If your child is ill, please telephone the main school office on 01202 421141, Option 1, on the first day of absence before 9.00am and leave a message, or Option 3 to speak to the office.

Arrival late to School
If you arrive late to school for any reason, you will need to go to the main reception at the Iford Site, as the gates to the Primary School area will be locked for security from 8:40am. We closely monitor lateness as it has a detrimental impact on children’s education.

Appointments
We request that, whenever possible, you make appointments after school or during the holidays. We do appreciate that sometimes this is not possible. If you know in advance that your child will be absent during school hours for a Doctor, Dentist, Optician or Hospital Appointment, please inform the school of the appointment in writing.

ABSENCE REQUESTS

In line with Government guidelines, St Peter’s School absence request procedure has been reviewed and updated. There are clear and proven links between absences from school and poor academic progress and, contrary to popular belief, there is no ‘right’ for parents to take their child out of school during term time. Headteachers are not permitted to authorise any absence from school (including holidays), unless the reasons are exceptional, e.g. a family bereavement. If you need to consider an exceptional absence during term time, please collect a request form from the main school Reception.