The Pathfinder

Church of England Primary School

The roots to grow, the path to follow and the wings to fly

Attendance Information

Introduction

Parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive full time education. Regular attendance is essential if children are to progress with their learning. The school day is divided into two registration sessions so, for example, one day of absence will be recorded as two sessions.

Notification of Absence

We would expect parents/carers to inform the school by 9.30am by phone or in person, if your child is unwell and unable to attend school. If we have no reason for the absence by 9.30am the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. We would also expect to be notified if your child has a medical appointment by 9.30am. Other planned absences should be notified to the school via an Application for Leave of Absence Form.

Punctuality

School starts at 8.50am for all classes. We believe that punctuality is an important social courtesy and regularly arriving late to school not only disrupts your child's opportunities for learning but also those other children in his/her class. Children arriving late must access the school via the school office where they are registered and the reason for his/her late arrival is recorded. Late arrivals are monitored by the school.

Leave of Absence

Children of school age who are registered at The Pathfinder C of E Primary School must, by law, attend school regularly. The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 amended the previous Education Regulations (England) 2006 removing the Headteacher's discretion to agree term time holiday. As a result, all holidays taken in term time will be unauthorised unless the absence is for 'exceptional circumstances'.

Parents are expected to provide explanations for their child/ren's absence. Please complete an Application for Leave of Absence Form to explain why your child will not be in school. If authorisation for this leave is not granted but the child is absent, or no authorisation is sought, or the period of leave is at a similar time of year to an unauthorised absence in a previous year, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. As a result, a referral may be made to the Education Welfare Officer who may issue each parent with a Penalty Notice (fine) ranging from £60 to £120 for each parent for each child and could ultimately lead to prosecution resulting in a fine of £2,500 and a 3 month custodial sentence. For more information on Penalty Notices please see the Cambridgeshire County Council's website.

Exceptional Circumstances

The Headteacher has discretion to grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. If you wish for the Headteacher to consider your wish for leave of absence as an 'exceptional circumstance', please complete the Application for Leave of Absence form and attach any supporting papers. The Headteacher will make a decision and return the form with his/her decision. If leave if granted, the Headteacher will specify how many days leave is being authorised. If leave is not granted then the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

Further Information

Please see the 'Policy' section of the school website to see the school's Attendance Policy and click here for the Leave of Absence Request form.

Please click the links below for Cambridgeshire County Council's information on: