We encourage and reward good attendance and punctuality. Good attendance is fundamental to high achievement and, we believe, that if pupils are taken out of school for any reason their progress will be adversely affected. All absences are followed up by tutors and our Attendance Officer.
The majority of our pupils have excellent punctuality and arrive at school before registration begins at 8.40 am.
Pupils are recorded as late after the bell at 8.40 am. If pupils arrive after this time they have to go to the main school reception to sign in . Sanctions will be enforced by tutors if a student is late without good reason.
Attendance at Danesfield is generally very good with the majority of pupils having over 96% attendance. It is school policy to work with parents and children whose attendance falls below 96%.
On the first day, and subsequent days, of absence parents/carers must contact the school to explain the nature of the absence.
The following table highlights how important punctuality is:
Daily Lateness | Equates to... |
|---|---|
5 minutes late | 3 days lost per school year |
10 minutes late | 6.5 days lost per school year |
15 minutes late | 10 days lost per school year |
20 minutes late | 13 days lost per school year |
30 minutes late | 19 days lost per school year |
Holidays in school term time are not permitted (please refer to the DfE website) and will be recorded as unauthorised absences.
There is no formal definition offered for exceptional leave at present by the Department for Education. However, from discussion with the DfE and concerned professional associations it is suggested that exceptional leave may include:
Forces staff returning from lengthy active service abroad
Police, Fire Service staff being told when they can or cannot take leave
If a close family member has a terminal illness and it may be a last chance to be together especially if the family member lived overseas
Parents having to work abroad for a fixed, minimum term period
The West Somerset Academies Trust, in recognition of some local employment practices, have added:
Significant year round seasonal employment restrictions (Where NO leave is allowed in any published school holiday)(Evidence must be required to support this)
Somerset County Council (SCC) supports schools:
If you wish to request a term time absence for your child please complete the form below and return to the school office.