Attendance

What about authorised absence?

There may be times when your child has to miss school because they are ill.  This is to be expected and you should follow the school’s procedures for notifying illness.

Children may also have to attend a medical or dental appointment in school time.  However,  you should try to make routine appointments during school holidays or after school hours.  Absences can only be authorised by the school.  If you have any concerns about your child's attendance please contact Mr Ollis on stjohnmark@bury.gov.uk.

What can you do to help?

• If you suspect your child is unhappy at school, contact the class teacher as soon as possible to resolve any issues
• Be alert for reasons for non-attendance, such as bullying, struggling with the work, discuss it with the class teacher
• If your child is ill or absent for any other reason contact school on Day 1
• Always let the school know if your child is going to be absent as early as possible
• Make sure your child arrives on time
• Take an interest in their education, talk to them about their school day and praise and encourage them

Did you know...

• Attending school every day = 100% attendance
• Attending 4 1/2 days a week -= 90% attendance = 4 weeks missed per year
• Attending 4 days a week = 80% attendance = more than half a term missed a year
• Attending 3 1/2 days a week = 70% attendance = more that a quarter of the school year missed
• An average attendance of 80% or less across a child’s school career adds up to missing a whole 2 years from school
• Being late for school reduces learning time
• If your child is 5 minutes late every day they will miss three days of learning each year
• If your child is 15 minutes late every days they will miss 2 weeks of learning each year