Attendance

If learners are to get the greatest benefit from their education in school, it is important that they have good attendance and arrive punctually. As learners grow and prepare for their next stages of education and employment they need to see good attendance and punctuality as important qualities that are valued by others and employers. At GJS, we will do all that we can to encourage good attendance and punctuality. Where learners are not conforming to our high expectations for attendance and punctuality we will put into place effective strategies to bring about improvement.

We discourage parents from withdrawing their children from school during term time.  Amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulation 2006 removed references to family holiday and extended leave.  The amendments make clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Government guidelines mean that holidays during term time cannot be authorised unless in exceptional circumstances. Whilst we appreciate that significant savings can be made in taking holidays during term time, any time missed has a negative impact on the child’s academic progress, and we therefore actively discourage this practice. If leave of absence is required due to possible exceptional circumstances parents must complete an “Application for Leave During Term Time” form.

The form must be returned to school at least 2 weeks in advance of the proposed leave and before committing to any expense.  School will inform parents in writing of the decision for authorised/unauthorised within 1 week of receiving the application.

Punctuality

Punctuality is important in the development of self-discipline and positive work habits and ensures that your child does not miss valuable learning time or input from the class teacher. All children must be in school for 8:50am and our registers close at 9:00am. If your child arrives late, you will need to personally sign them in as late in the office area. If your child arrives late to school on 10 separate occasions this may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Health Related Absences

We are always concerned if a child does not arrive at school. If your child is absent for any reason, it is essential that you inform the school, by telephone or by email, before 9.00am, on the first day of absence. A message may be left on the school answer phone, sent via Arbor or to the school office email. This message must include the reason for your child’s absence e.g. tonsillitis, and, whenever possible, an expected return date. This date is an approximation; however, it is the parent’s responsibility to keep school fully informed. If no message is received, a member of the school office team will make contact. Reminders will be sent out to parents who fail to do this. Contagious diseases such as chicken pox, measles, etc. should always be notified to the school.

If children need to leave school at a time other than at the end of a school session, a parent or other responsible adult known to the school must collect them. Children are not allowed out of school during curriculum time unless there has been written parental consent and the child is reliably escorted. These procedures are to protect the children from any unforeseeable harm.