Attendance and Punctuality
'Moments matter. Attendance counts'
Attendance
Over Hall Community School recognises the importance of good attendance and the impact it has on children’s progress, attainment, enjoyment of learning and relationships within school. Our aim is for every child and family to be supported. Good attendance helps a child to realise their potential and ensure they are motivated, confident and enjoy a diverse range of curricular opportunities and experiences. Our school policy promotes good attendance. The school monitors attendance and ensures quick and early intervention if a problem is identified. We recognise that whole school preventative and proactive approaches are key to promoting children wellbeing and attendance.
Punctuality
School begins at 8.40am and all pupils are expected to be in school for registration at this time. Pupils who are late are disrupting not only their own education but also that of others. Where persistent lateness gives cause for concern further action may be taken. In the first instance this will involve a discussion with the parent or carer followed by a letter home if the situation does not improve.
The guidance below is to inform parents/carers about children arriving late to school. The procedure will be as follows:
- 8.30am: School gates open
- 8.40am: Class doors open, children enter school
- 8.50am: Doors and gates to school are closed and registers are taken in each class.
If a child does not arrive at school by 8.50, they should enter via the main school office and parents/carers should sign them in on the electronic entry sign system.
Reporting absences from School
We recognise there are times when children will be absent from school for a multitude of reasons. It is however important that school is made aware such circumstances. The processes for this are as follows:
Illness
Sickness absence should be reported to the school office before 9am on each morning of the absence. A message can be left on the absence answerphone line on 01606 663650 option 1. If no message is left then one of our admin team will try to get in contact with you before 9.30am. Parents /carers must ring each day of absence.
Medical appointments
As a school we have a duty of care to ensure that all children registered with us are kept safe. Pupils with hospital, dental or other medical appointments during school time should be brought to school unless their appointment is before 9:30am and must be collected by a Parent/Carer from the School Office. This must be confirmed in writing or on presentation of the appointment card. Children should be brought back to school after their appointment, as soon as possible.
Leave of Absence/Holidays During Term Time
If you wish to apply for a leave of absence for your child, please ensure that you have referred to the Attendance Policy. Due to changes in legislation, only absence requests with exceptional circumstances will be granted.
Guidance from the DfE explains that these reasons should not be authorised.
- Extended family holidays
- One day trips to see relatives
- Birthday or event holidays
- “Educational” visits
- Holidays to long haul destination
Below is a list of some circumstances when the principal can authorise a holiday.
- Parent in the armed forces returned home for limited period in term time during tours of duty
- To allow family time prior to and following the death of a very close relative
- Life threatening and life limiting illness of child or sibling
- Visit abroad prior to family moving there
Please read Cheshire West and Chester Council's Guidelines to Fixed Penalty Notices for Unauthorised Holidays for more information.If Parents/Carers make the decision to go ahead and take their children out of school for a family holiday this will be documented as an Unauthorised Absence and fixed penalty fine may be issued.
An Absence Request form must still be completed and returned to the School Office for attention of the Headteacher.
Emergency Contacts
From time-to-time accidents occur or children become ill. It is important that the school has an address and telephone number where parents can be contacted in an emergency. Please inform the School Office if there is any change to your emergency contact details.
Further information regarding attendance and punctuality is detailed in our attendance policy which can be downloaded below.
Ways we support good attendance
- Reporting of Weekly attendance for classes in Assembly Winning class is given a sum of money and the opportunity to devise their reward for best attendance at the end of term.
- At the end of every term children with 100% will be given a badge and certificate in reward of their effort.
- At parent consultation, your child’s class teacher will share the current attendance If attendance dips below 96% your child’s class teacher will contact you to discuss.
- A walking bus has been set up by our fabulous staff. Please enquire for further detail
