Attendance at Rowhill School
Let's Work Together
Expectation for Pupils
Attend school regularly according to the pupils timetable.
Attend School/Bespoke Provision punctually.
Be prepared for the school day this includes wearing the correct school uniform as a pupil maybe sent home and it will be an unauthorised attendance mark.
Discuss with the Attendance Officer or another member of staff any problems which deter them from attending school.
All pupils should aim for 100% attendance of their provision. Research shows that high attendance is reflected in better achievement.
Expectation for Parents/Carers
Support Rowhill School and encourage their child to be punctual, prepared for the school day in the correct uniform and in aiming for 100% attendance and be aware of their legal responsibilities.
If your child must be absent for any medical reason such as appointments the Attendance Officer must be told in advance preferably in writing this can be by email. Evidence will be required.
Holidays will not be authorised during term time term. But if you intend to request an absence due to exceptional circumstances you must complete the Request Form and return before absence occurs.
Rowhill Daily Routine
First Day Absence
We expect to receive contact from a parent to explain the reason for the students absence at the earliest opportunity. An answer phone system is in operation outside of school hours. There is a dedicated Student Absence Line on which you can leave a message: ring 01252 367500 and choose 1 from the Options menu.
Parents can also inform the school via Teachers to Parents email or text or can email the Attendance Officer directly on c.simons@rowhill.hants.sch.uk
If no parental contact has been made, and a student is absent, the Attendance Officer will attempt to contact a named person with parental responsibility with the details held on SIMS that morning
Once the Attendance Officer has attempted to make contact they will input the appropriate code into the register.
Third Day Absence (when no contact from home has been received)
If your child is not seen and contact has not been established with you or any of the named parents/carers after three days of absence the school is required to start a child missing in education procedures as set down by Hampshire County Council (HCC) guidance. We will make all reasonable inquires to establish contact with parents and the child including making inquires to known friends, wider family.
If the absence is medical a Doctor's note may be required in order for the absence to be authorised. This is at the discretion of the Head Teacher or their nominated representative.
We could also conduct a home visit to check on the young person under our safeguarding guidance and procedures.
3, 5 and 10 day letters will be issue if absence continues it will then be referred to Legal Interevention Team where penalties may apply. For extended absences pupils and families may be refered to the Children Missing in Education Team.
The Law
The Education Act 1996 Part 1, Section 7 states:
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient fulltime education suitable:-
[a] To his age, ability, and aptitude and
[b] To any special needs he may have.
either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
For educational purposes the term parent is used to include those that have parental responsibility and/or those that have the day-to-day care of the child.
The legislation that appertains to children who are of compulsory school age and are registered at school is contained within this Act.
Part V1 Section 444 contains the details of when an offence is committed if a child fails to attend school
School Leaving Age
You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you'll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
You must then do one of the following until you're 18:
- stay in full-time education, for example at a college
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
Links
Hampshire County Council Attendance guidance for parents/carers