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Attendance & Absence FAQ's

Welcome to our school's guide on term-time absences and attendance policies. We understand that navigating attendance requirements can sometimes be confusing, so we've compiled this information to provide clarity and support to our school community.

Please review our Attendance Policy on "Policies" page, by clicking here.

How do I report an absence?

It is your responsibility as parents/carers to ensure that your child has regular school attendance and is on time for school. We recognise that absences due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances can occur. To report an absence, please use one of the following methods:

Telephone: Contact the school office to inform us of your child's absence via 02380226545
Email: Send an email to info@st-johnsschool.net with details of your child's absence.

For safeguarding reasons, it is essential that we are informed of your child's absence each day. Failure to do so may result in follow-up communication from the school, including text messages and phone calls.

Is my child well enough to attend school?

We know that when your child doesn’t feel well, it can be daunting, and you may be worried about if you child is well enough to attend school. You can use the information below to inform your decision. Please remember that Ms Jenkins, Ms Harris and Mrs Holman can administer medicine, paracetamol (with permission) in the school office so that you child can attend school. Click on the picture below to enlarge it.

How does school keep a record of my child’s attendance?

Attendance is recorded using specific codes, including:

Code M: Appointment with a doctor or dentist.
Code I: Illness.
Code G: Unauthorised holiday.
Code L: Late before register closes.
Code U: Late after register closes (counted as unauthorised absence).
Code O: Other unauthorised absence or no reason given.

It's important for parents to provide a reason for absence to ensure accurate record-keeping and to avoid unauthorised absences. When a child has more that 10 unauthorised absences in a period of 8 weeks, school can seek a Fixed Penalty and parents can be fined for their child’s absence.

What will happen if my child’s attendance falls below the expected standard?

We have reviewed our systems and processes regarding attendance. We send letters to parents if a child's attendance falls to 94% or below. These letters aim to provide support and guidance to improve attendance levels. Additionally, we provide regular updates on attendance status via letter.

School will use the following flow chart to monitor attendance closely.

Click on the picture below to enlarge it.

What other agencies support with school attendance?

For students with ongoing poor attendance (below 90%), we collaborate with the Education Welfare Officer to address the underlying reasons and develop strategies for improvement.

Southampton City Council - School attendance and support

What is the impact of absence on my child?

Consistent attendance is crucial for academic progress. Absences can result in gaps in learning and may require additional support to catch up, impacting both your absent child and their peers.

DID YOU KNOW?

If your child has 90% attendance you think that looks acceptable... but it is not!

This is equivalent of:

one half day of learning missed every week.
four whole weeks of learning missed in the school year.
half a school year of learning missed over five years.

Click on the picture below to enlarge it.

How can I get more support from school?

For more detailed information, please refer to our Absence and Attendance Policy. We encourage parents facing challenges with attendance to reach out to their child's teacher or Miss Hibbs for support and assistance.

Southampton City Council - School attendance and support

Can I apply for Term-Time Absences?

Whilst we recognise that some of our families have family overseas, holidays taken during term-time are recorded as unauthorised absences in accordance with government and local education authority policies. We follow guidance for determining exceptional circumstances and work closely with the local authority regarding absences.

Below are all the forms you will need when applying for a 'Leave of Absence' in term-time absence - these are also available for you to collect from the school office. Please see available documents below.