Latest Letter
Attendance
Dear parents and carers,
The Department for Education (DfE) have introduced a new document ‘Working Together to Improve Attendance’ which became statutory on 19th August 2024.
We a proud to say that the majority of our children at Holy Trinity arrive at school on-time and attend everyday. Last year, our whole school attendance was 94.65%. The national average was 94.7%. Thank you for your support with this.
The reviewed DfE document highlights the importance of schools working with the whole school community including parents and carers and families to ensure that we give our children the opportunities to access their statutory right to education. We are lucky to be part of such a multicultural school community which provides so many learning opportunities within school about a diverse range of cultures, beliefs and faiths.
With so many of our school community having relatives living in different countries and children going on holiday, extended leave in termtime is a barrier that we face. We understand many of the reasons behind periods of extended leave however any absence has an impact on the learning of children and their classmates when a child returns to school and has missed learning. This year, we have continued with having 2 weeks at Spring Bank from 23rd May until 8th June 2024 which provides another opportunity for extended leave over the school year.
Through regular, on-time, attendance, children are able to access their entitlement to education. If a child is feeling slightly unwell such as having a headache or being tired, we would encourage you to allow school to look after your child and their minor, manageable illnesses. Where children are in school and become unwell or deteriorate, we will call you – trust us. We want your children to be well the same as you do.
Attached to this email you will find the reviewed Attendance Policy and the guidance from Calderdale which has been written in-line with the DfE statutory documentation regarding Penalty Notices (fines) and Prosecution related to unauthorised absence. There are changes relating to the cost of a fine and what happens if a child reaches the threshold for a fine more than once over a 3 year rolling period. Parents are also at risk of being fined if a child has 10 unauthorised sessions in a 10-week rolling period. This may be made up of lates (after the registers have closed), unauthorised absences or holidays.
If you are finding it hard to ensure that your child attends regularly and on-time, come into school and speak to us. We may be able to help or put you in touch with other agencies who can offer help or support. We want to help you to give your children the best start in life and prepare them with life skills as they grow up.
What do I do if my child is unable to attend school?
- Call and speak to the school office or leave an answerphone message, email or text and explain why your child is not attending for everyday that they are absent (you may receive a call back for further information).
- Encourage your child to get ready for school and attend even if they are complaining of feeling unwell but you think that they are well enough to attend.
- Where possible, book routine medical appointments outside the school day.
What should I do if my child is going abroad or on holiday in termtime?
- Complete a leave of absence form – giving as much detail as possible. All holiday in termtime will be treated as unauthorised absence.
What should I do if my child needs medication in school?
- Go to the front office and complete a form to allow school staff to administer the medication to your child.
Thank you for supporting your children in attending school every day.
Mrs Huby Mrs Eaton
Headteacher Attendance Lead