How does Epworth Trust ensure good attendance in its schools?

Epworth Trust aims to provide a positive, welcoming and supportive environment within its schools and their classrooms.  We emphasise to parents and pupils the importance of regular attendance and punctuality and we aim to offer a consistent approach to attendance matters through the implementation of procedures to record and follow up pupils’ absences and lateness, as well as praising and rewarding excellent and improved pupil attendance.

Parents and children will be welcomed by a member of staff.  This is a time were parents will have the opportunity to pass on a message or have a quick chat with a member of the school staff on duty.

What should I do if my child can’t attend school?

Parents/carers should inform the school office at the earliest opportunity.  This be can be done on the schools automated absence line, where a message can be left to explain the reason for the absence.

If no contact is made before 9:30am by the parents/carers, a telephone call will be made by the office staff or pastoral staff, if no contact is made a home visit may be carried out.

If no contact is made then the school will unauthorise the absence, unless a valid reason or further information e.g. medical evidence is provided.

It is at the discretion of the school whether absences are authorised and what codes should be used on the register.

Can my child go on Holiday during term-time?

No holidays will be authorised during term time.  If you feel there are exceptional circumstance then you should contact the school for a meeting with the Headteacher/Pastoral Manager were it will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Taking more than 5 days unauthorised leave/absence for a holiday will normally result in a fixed penalty notice being served. Please see further information below of correspondence sent out to all parents/carers regarding penalty notices. 

Can my child attend a funeral and/or wedding?

Absences for religious observance, exams, and educational visits may be authorised but you must consult the Pastoral Manager first to discuss this absence.

My child has a medical appointment, what should I do?

All medical/dentist appointments should be made outside school hours. If this is not possible, evidence of the child’s appointment must be shown to the school office before the child leaves school for the appointment. Advance warning of all appointments is preferred.