We take attendance very seriously at Oakmere. We know that any time missed from your child’s learning is so difficult to get back. Things move so fast in a school; the pace of learning, new topics, friendships, even the way in which we build children’s confidence all rely on children being in school every day so they don’t miss out. The nationally expected attendance for a child at primary school is between 96% and 97%. That means only being absent from school for up to 7 days in a whole school year, usually due to illness.
We have lots of ways in which we support and encourage good attendance at the school:
We have a dedicated member of the office team who monitors the attendance of all the children in the school on a daily basis. The office team telephone all parents on the first day if their child is not in school and we have had no explanation for their absence. That is to make sure that all our children are safe. If we do not hear from you and contact cannot be made, we will conduct a visit to the door step to ensure your child is safe. It is essential that parents report any absence from school by 9:30am.
The school’s safeguarding team regularly discuss children whose level of absence is beginning to worry us and we liaise closely with the Attendance Improvement Officer from Hertfordshire County Council. She offers the school support when children’s attendance levels get worryingly low. We may also involve Children’s Services where deemed necessary to safeguard a child in our care.
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell.
There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.
If you do keep your child at home, it’s important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won’t be in and give them the reason.
If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.
If you are unsure whether to keep your child at home for certain conditions, please click the link for general advice from the NHS:
Is my child too ill for school? – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Attendance Policy (336.22KB)