Absence & Punctuality
Attendance, Absence & Punctuality
We seek to ensure that all children receive the best possible Early Years education maximising the opportunities for all to realise their true potential. All Nursery school staff will work, with children and their families, to support them in meeting their duty to ensure that their children achieve maximum possible attendance; and that any problems which may impede full attendance are acted upon quickly.
Did you know?
90% Attendance means that a child is missing half a day’s Nursery a week
95% Attendance means that a child will miss two weeks of Nursery each year
When your child starts school the Local Authority deem a child to be a persistent absentee if their attendance falls below 90%
There are 190 school days in a year leaving 175 in which to take holiday
Frequently Asked Questions…
Q: My child is unwell, what should I do?
A: Please call the Nursery school office no later than 8.30 am, 01952 387910, leaving a message stating your child’s name, room and a brief explanation of the nature of the illness. A call is requested for every day of absence unless you have spoken directly with the Assistant Headteacher or Day Care Manager to arrange otherwise.
Q: Why do I need to call every day?
A: We cannot assume that a child is unwell just because they were off Nursery school the previous day. If you believe an absence due to illness may be prolonged, please contact us so that we can make arrangements to avoid you calling daily.
Q: I know in advance that my child needs to leave Nursery school early for an appointment, what should I do?
A: Either contact the school Nursery office or speak with your child's key person as soon as you know about the appointment.
Q: I have just remembered that I need to collect my child during the Nursery school day but I have forgotten to say what should I do?
A: Please call us, 01952 387910 to inform the Nursery school office
Q: I wish to take my child out of Nursery school for a Family Holiday (or other reason) during term time.
While your child is in Nursery you are able to take your child out without permission. However so we know that your child is safe we request that you inform us in advance. If you pay fees or wrap around care you will still be charged for those sessions.
When your child reaches school age the following will apply:
Leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and can only be authorised by the Executive Headteacher click here for a leave of absence form. Exceptional Circumstances are defined as ‘one-off’ occasions where a request for leave of absence is unavoidable and does not cover annually occurring family holiday. Please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the School Office and submit no later than four weeks prior to the start of the leave. In order for the Headteacher to reach an informed decision, please include as much detail as possible to explain why exceptional circumstances apply.
Why is punctuality important?
It's a GREAT START to the day, putting your child in a positive frame of mind to make the most of the day's learning and activities. Punctuality is linked to good attendance and good attenders have more opportunities, more support and therefore achieve more.It helps your child make friends which leads to improved self-confidence and therefore SUCCESS. It sets your child up for their future-whether it is school, college, work or university, they could lose their place or lose their job if they think it's acceptable to be late.
Types of lateness
When your child starts school the following ill apply:
Late before the register closes your child is a few minutes late-but they have missed the opportunity to say hello to and play with friends. They are likely to feel unsettles and embarrassed as they start morning lessons.
Late after the register closes this counts as an unauthorised absence and will show on your child's attendance record. Not only has your child missed the chance to meet with their friends before school, they are likely to have missed the start of lessons and could feel unsettled, embarrassed and much less confident than their classmates as the lesson moves on.
Top Tips
- Get to know your child's Nursery routine so you are aware of what happens when
- Get your child into the habit of doing their reading in the evening-instead of in the morning at the breakfast table.
- Make sure your child has a good bedtime routine so they get plenty of rest and don't struggle out of bed in the morning-not a bad idea for parents either.
- Invest in a good, reliable alarm clock-make setting it part of your child's bedtime routine.
- Try to ensure your child has a good breakfast to set them up for the day-we have a super breakfast club you could use if you need to be at work early.
- Have a back up plan for getting your child to Nursery school in case something crops up-friends or family perhaps neighbours who are taking their children to Nursery school anyway.
- Allow lots of time for your journey to Nursery school.
- If you are finding it difficult to get your child to Nursery school on time, talk to a teacher and ask for help.
Contact school:
Telephone: 01952 387910
Email: Oakengates.admin@taw.org.uk