At St. Joseph's we strive to achieve the highest attendance possible, as there is a direct link between attendance and attainment. Absence from school interrupts teaching and learning, and affects children's progress and wellbeing.
New legislation states that, head teachers may only grant a leave of absence in "exceptional circumstances".
Therefore requests for holidays in term time will not be granted, and from Easter 2019 a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued if holiday or other unauthorised leave is taken during term time, with a penalty of £60.
Class registers are taken at 8:55am each morning and are closed at 9:00am If a child arrives after 8:55am but before 9.15am they will receive a late mark in the register. If a child arrives after 9:15am without a valid reason they will receive an unauthorised absence mark for the morning sessions.
We understand that there are times when a child will need to be absent due a medical/hospital/dentist appointment. We ask that these appointments are notified to the school office in advance, a copy of the appointment letter is also required.
Parents are asked to notify the school office of their child's absence by 9:00am.