ATTENDANCE TARGET FOR 2024-2025 = 93%
Pupils need to attend school regularly if they are to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them. The progress of pupils is affected by non-attendance at school. It is our aim at Nant-y-Parc to maximise our attendance rate so that all pupils have a fair chance at their education. Therefore, individual absences will be scrutinised regularly, and the school’s attendance officer (Miss. K. Nelson) will contact parents where attendance concerns arise.
Children are expected to attend school every day. They are expected to be punctual and arrive by 9 a.m. unless there is a valid reason for not doing so. It is essential for children to arrive on time to avoid missing key learning experiences e.g., daily phonics and reading.
It is inevitable that there will be times when your child will need to be absent from school. It may be because of a visit to the doctor, dentist, optician, or other medical professional. Whilst we would ask that, where possible, most of these appointments are made outside school hours, we acknowledge that in certain circumstances it is not possible. At these times, it will be necessary to inform the school prior to the appointment, in writing or by contacting the school office. We kindly ask that medical evidence is provided where possible to support the absence.
Should your child be absent because of illness, we ask that you contact the school on the first day of absence so that we know that your child/ren is/are safe at home. We also require a brief note on your child’s return to school stating the reason/s for absence. These absences will be authorised except where consistent absenteeism gives cause for concern. Parents will be contacted in such cases.
The school's newsletter provides further information on attendance. This is sent out to parents fortnightly.
Welfare Agencies
The Educational Welfare Officer (Mrs Belinda Pewtner) visits regularly and supports the school by monitoring attendance also. Belinda is a great support and can advise families with educational welfare problems and support with potential barriers. The school may utilise Belinda’s expertise to check on persistent, unexplained absences, or to carry out home visits.
Further information can be found within the school's attendance policy.
Holidays within Term Time
Holidays may be authorised at the discretion of the school if your child's attendance is 95% or above for a period of 12 months. A maximum of ten school days may be authorised by the Headteacher in an academic year. This is consistent and in line with cluster policy. We would expect pupils to take holidays during the school holidays whenever possible. Holiday forms are available in the school office and should be completed before your holiday is taken. If a holiday is unauthorised, this be recorded against your child's name.
Callio
This year the school will continue to use the Callio approach in conjunction with the local authority. The aim of the approach is to further inform parents about attendance and how this will impact pupils. More information can be found below. In addition to this, attendance letters are sent regularly to inform parents of their child's attendance percentage.
Turning 5
School is a statutory requirement when a child turns 5. Therefore, it is essential that parents adhere to school policy in relation to attendance and absence. Naturally, we encourage all children to attend school regularly especially if they are to achieve their full potential.
Rewards
Throughout the school year, we constantly look to reward children for excellent / 100% attendance. Each year, we are keen to see how many children are awarded 100% attendance all year and how we can reward them for this phenomenal achievement at the end of the school year.
Attendance Concerns
If we are concerned about you child's attendance, you may be contacted via text message, telephone call, or letter. If you are invited to attend a meeting please give it your best effort to attend so that we can identify ways forward.
Please access the school's attendance policy for further information. This can be found in the policies section on the school's website, or a copy can be obtained from the main reception area at school.
