School attendance

It is important that children attend school every day. Research shows that children with below average attendance usually don't make good progress, with their learning. 

The Government expectation for attendance is a minimum of 97% and parents have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child attends regularly and on time. Anything less than 97% gives cause for concern.

We do not authorise any holidays in term time and holidays taken will be marked as unauthorised. Leave of absence can only be granted in exceptional circumstances. 

As well as looking at good attendance we also look regularly at poor attendance.  

We monitor this in the following ways:

• If your child needs lots of medical appointments, we ask you to show the office staff the appointments cards so a copy can be put on file.
• Letters are sent out to families who are currently under 96% attendance and to families who are 'at risk' of falling into this category. Senior leaders will track pupils with poor attendance. If the attendance falls below 90%, parents will be contacted, to ensure attendance improves. Unfortunately if the attendance doesn't improve the matter will be transferred to Kirklees Council, to proceed with legal action.

 If you do want to request  authorised leave then please complete the attached form and return it to the school office. Please note that the headteacher must approve it before it is taken. 

Please note that if leave is not granted then the following consequences might occur:

• The possibility of a penalty notice being issued (to each parent for each child).
• The possibility of losing the school place, and the likelihood of being re-admitted to the school.
• The possibility of prosecution under Section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996 for repeat offences of unauthorised leave of absence.
• The possibility of a fine of up to £1,000 and receipt of a criminal record if the fine remains unpaid and the matter is heard in court.

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