Requesting Absence:
Requesting Absence:
- Please avoid taking trips or booking vacations during term time: These won't be authorised.
- Accurate reporting of absence: Please don't report your child's absence as illness if they are fit and well.
- Attendance below 90%: Absence will not be authorised
- Medical or dental appointments: Non-urgent appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours.
Requesting Absence During Term Time:
The Importance Of Attendance
| School attendance plays a pivotal role in a child’s academic success, social growth, and overall well-being. While occasional absences due to illness or other reasons are understandable, maintaining a consistent presence at school is key to unlocking a child's full potential. Beyond the curriculum, regular attendance instils essential qualities like discipline, responsibility, and commitment—valuable lessons that will serve them throughout life. It teaches children the importance of showing up, staying engaged and being present, which are all essential skills for success in any endeavor. |
Academic Growth
Consistent school attendance has a profound impact on a child’s academic achievement. When students attend school regularly, they stay engaged with the curriculum, grasp key concepts, and complete assignments on time. This continuity allows them to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, creating a seamless learning experience. While catching up on missed work is possible, the full, immersive classroom experience truly supports deep understanding and long-term retention.
Social and Emotional Development
The benefits of regular school attendance extend far beyond academics. When children attend school consistently, they build meaningful connections with peers and teachers, enhancing their sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. They become more comfortable in their school environment, which boosts their confidence and emotional well-being. Regular attendance is not just about being physically present; it is about actively participating in classroom discussions, sparking curiosity and forming friendships that will last.
Government Guidelines and School Policy
The national average for attendance in primary schools is approximately 95%. At St. James’s, we strive to have attendance rates above national averages and aspire to be above 96% attendance for the school year. In light of this, we ask the following:
- Please avoid taking trips or booking vacations during term time, as these cannot be authorised by the school. As a result, your child will miss important teaching sessions and will not receive work to take with them. We kindly ask that you complete an application for absence form at least two weeks before the planned absence. Please attach a screen shot of your child’s return flight information.
- Accurate reporting of absence: If you are excusing your child for an activity, personal trip, or vacation, please do not report it as illness or attending a medical appointment. This could raise concerns, especially if your child has had previous absences due to illness, giving an inaccurate picture of their health.
- Attendance below 90%: If your child’s attendance falls below 90%, the school will contact you to discuss how we can work together to improve it.
- Attendance below 85%: If your child’s attendance drops below 85%, all future absences will be marked as unauthorised. Absences due to illness will only be authorised with supporting medical evidence.
- Medical or dental appointments: We recommend scheduling non-urgent appointments outside of school hours. Parents must provide proof of appointment for any late arrivals or early departures. If no evidence is provided, the absence will be marked as unauthorised.
The Department of Education now requires schools to undertake an absence survey and they regard holidays or personal trips as “unacceptable reasons” for absence. The D of E have reported that vacation or personal trips, taken during term time will be marked as unauthorised absence.
