Attendance figures for the year 2001/2002 were as follows:

Number of pupils of compulsory school age on roll for at least one session = 180

Pupil sessions (half days) missed through authorised absence = 5%

Pupil sessions missed through unauthorised absence = 0%

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular school attendance is considered to be of great importance at Little Heath Primary School. Without it all our efforts to provide a high quality education come to nothing; for if a child is not present at school they cannot learn or reach their full potential. We therefore aim to have the maximum attendance rates possible for our pupils. There will, of course, be just and valid reasons why pupils cannot attend school on occasions, but we have systems in place to monitor and investigate absences across the school. This policy outlines our practice and procedures for maintaining a high level of pupil attendance. It is in line with DfES legislation and Hertfordshire Local Education Authority guidelines.

EXPECTATIONS
We expect the following from all pupils:-
• that they will attend school regularly
• that they will arrive on time and appropriately prepared for the day
• that they will inform a member of staff of any problem that may prevent them from attending school.

We expect the parents to:-
• encourage their child to attend school regularly
• ensure that they contact school when their child is/has been unable to attend school
• ensure that their child arrives at school on time and well prepared for the day ahead
• check that homework is done and handed in on time
• contact school whenever problems occur which may keep their child away from school
• apply to the headteacher for permission to take their child on a family holiday during term time.

Parents, pupils and the Governing Body can expect the following from the school:-
• a quality education which ensures a stimulating curriculum and supports the needs of all pupils
• active encouragement of good attendance
• regular and accurate recording and monitoring of attendance
• early contact with parents when a pupil fails to attend school without notification
• contact with the parents if a child is frequently late
• immediate action on any problem notified to us concerning attendance
• a caring environment where respect for each other is of paramount importance

WE WILL ENCOURAGE ATTENDANCE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:-
• accurate completion of registers at the beginning of each session
• early contact with parents who fail to provide a letter explaining absence
• recording of individual attendance on pupils’ annual reports
• reporting of attendance figures to the Governing Body and in the annual report to parents

RESPONDING TO NON-ATTENDANCE
• When a pupil does not attend school we will respond in the following manner:-
• If no note or contact is received within three days of the start of a pupil’s absence the parents will be contacted by telephone or letter requesting information
• where there is still no response after a further three days a letter will be sent
• if there is still no response the Education Social Worker (hereafter known as ESW) will be asked to make a home visit to establish the reason for absence. She will then help the school to decide on a course of action
• When a child is absent or late on numerous occasions we will ask to see the parent to discuss the reasons
• If the parents do not respond we will ask the ESW to contact them
• If attendance does not improve the case will be discussed with the ESW with a view to a formal referral being made

Please note:

• A child should not be absent except in the case of illness or family emergency. If a child is absent, the school should be notified by the parents, through either a telephone message or written note.

• Absence unsupported by a note of explanation is classed as 'unauthorised' absence and will be recorded as an official truancy statistic.

• It cannot be emphasised too strongly that taking holidays during the school term should be the last resort to aid parents who are quite unable to take their holidays during the school breaks. If you do need to withdraw your child for the purpose of a holiday, you will be required to complete the appropriate forms.

• Children who feel ill before school starts should be kept at home.