Attendance information

Gayton is a happy and welcoming school. We promote a family atmosphere, where each person is actively encouraged to show care and interest in the welfare of others. Our mission is to nurture 'positive minds' so as to create 'positive futures' for all of our pupils. We offer a calm, orderly, safe and supportive environment where all pupils want to be and are keen and ready to learn. 

We work hard with pupils and parents to remove any barriers to attendance by building strong and trusting relationships and work together with other agencies to put the right support in place for any pupil who may be finding it harder than others to attend school.

Attendance and Punctuality
 
Gayton Primary School recognises the importance of good attendance and the impact it has on children's progress, attainment, enjoyment of learning and relationships within school. Good attendance helps a child to realise thier potential and ensure they are motivated, confident and enjoy a diverse range of curricular opportunities and experiences. 
Our school constantly monitors attendance and ensures quick and early intervention if a problem is identified. We recognise that whole school preventative and proactive approaches are key to promoting the wellbeing and attendance of children. 

Punctuality

School begins at 8.50am and all pupils are expected to be in school for registration at this time.  Pupils who are late are disrupting not only their own education but also that of others.  Where persistent lateness gives cause for concern further action may be taken. In the first instance this will involve a discussion with the parent or carer followed by a letter home if the situation does not improve. 

The guidance below is to inform parents/carers about children arriving late to school. The procedure will be as follows:

  • 8.40am: School gates open
  • 8.50am: Doors and gates to school are closed and registers are taken in each class. 
  • If a child does not arrive at school by 8.50, they should enter via the main school office and parents should sign them in. 

Reporting absences from school:

We recognise there are times when children will be absent from school for a multitude of reasons. It is however important that school is made aware such circumstances. The processes for this are as follows:

Illness:

Sickness absence should be reported to the school office before 9am on each morning of the absence.  A message can be left on the absence answerphone line on 0151 342 3772.  If no message is left then one of our admin team will try to get in contact with you before 9.30am. If your child is absent due to  sickness and diarrohea, we ask that they not return for 48 hours following the last bout of symptoms. This is in line with the minimum timescales according to NHS advice. 

Medical appointments:

As a school we have a duty of care to ensure that all children registered with us are kept safe. Pupils with hospital, dental or other medical appointments during school time should be brought to school unless their appointment is before 9:30am and must be collected by a Parent/Carer from the School Office. This must be confirmed in writing or on presentation of the appointment card. Children should be brought back to school after their appointment, as soon as possible. 

Leave of Absence/Holidays During Term time: 

If you wish to apply for a leave of absence for your child, please ensure that you have referred to the Attendance Policy. Due to changes in legislation, only absence requests with exceptional circumstances will be granted. 

Guidance from the DfE explains that these reasons should not be authorised.

  • Extended family holidays
  • One day trips to see relatives
  • Birthday or event holidays
  • Holidays to long haul destinations

    Below is a list of some circumstances when the principal can authorise a holiday. 

    • Parent in the armed forces returned home for limited period in term time during tours of duty
    • To allow family time prior to and following the death of a very close relative
    • Life threatening and life limiting illness of child, parent or sibling

An Absence Request form must still be completed and returned to the School Office. 

Emergency Contacts

From time-to-time accidents occur or children become ill. It is important that the school has an address and telephone number where parents can be contacted in an emergency. Please inform the School Office if there is any change to your emergency contact details.

 

Further information regarding attendance and punctuality is detailed in our attendance policy which can be downloaded below. We have also produced an attendance leaflet for parents with further information about attendance and punctuality.