Ivy Road Primary School Absence Policy

Amendments to The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 make it clear that Head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances and that Head teachers should determine the number of days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

Ivy Road Primary School expects all pupils to aim for 100% attendance.
We recognise that by working together parents and school can improve a child’s life chances by ensuring their frequent and punctual attendance. Good attendance is important because statistics show a direct link between higher achievement and good attendance. Children who attend school regularly find school routines and school work easier to cope with. Ivy Road Primary School strives to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels safe, valued, happy, accepted, and included. Our goal is that all pupils reach their full potential. This helps to establish a positive working ethos early in life.

​The Government guidelines state that all children are expected to have an attendance of at least 96%.

Absence Procedures

If a pupil is absent parents must contact the school office by 8:55am on each day of absence by:

•  Calling 0191 268 8851 and following the directions on our answering machine
•  Emailing office@ivyroadprimary.org.uk
•  Call into school in person and report an absence to office staff directly
•  Provide adequate details of why your child is off - 'unwell' is too vague and may require us to contact you for more information.

If no notification is received by 9.30am we will contact you. 

If we are unable to make contact a code of O (unauthorised absence) will go in your child's register and you may be contacted by local authorities.

Whilst any pupil may be off school because they are ill, sometimes they can be reluctant to attend school. We are here to listen and provide support both for the parents and the pupil.

Frequent Absence
If a pupil is frequently absent we will:

•  Contact parents and pupils to see if support can be given to deal with any issues causing absence
•  If absences persist, invite parents in to discuss the situation with the teacher and Headteacher
•  Ask for further medical information if illness is given as a reason for absence on a regular basis

Ivy Road Primary School Lateness Policy

The law requires pupils to attend school regularly and this includes arriving on time each day.

When a pupil arrives late to school, there are many consequences:

• He or she misses out on essential instructions given at the beginning of lessons - in fact arriving 5 minutes late each day adds up to missing 3 entire days of school by the end of the year.

• Pupils might feel awkward and embarrassed going into the classroom when everyone else is already settled.

• When one person arrives late, everyone loses out - the class is disrupted and the teacher must take time away from the other pupils to explain what is going on for the lesson.

There are also very serious legal consequences for parents and carers when children are persistently late.  If your child has a high level of lateness you will receive a warning letter. After this, continued lateness could result in a Penalty Notice (a fine) or a summons to a Magistrate’s Court.

Your child’s punctuality and attendance will be monitored closely.

If you have any concerns about your child’s punctuality, please do not hesitate to make an appointment to come into school to see Miss Taylor.

Give your child the best possible chance to succeed - ensure they arrive on time each day!