The national average level of attendance set by the Government is 96%; if your child falls below this percentage, then their attendance is statistically below average. Good attendance is a key factor in raising pupils’ attainment and supporting their personal development and we are committed to helping all pupils to achieve their full potential. Whilst it is appreciated that children are ill from time to time, please think carefully before allowing your child to be absent from school.  Research shows that there is a strong correlation between poor attendance and poor progress at school. Ultimately, this impacts on work/life opportunities and overall educational success.

As parents/carers, you are legally responsible for ensuring your child of statutory school age receives a suitable full-time education by attending school regularly and punctually. Failure to do this may result in the Local Education Authority commencing legal proceedings against you.  Children with attendance below 90% are considered to be persistently absent pupils.

Attendance is monitored and letters sent out regularly to inform parents of their child’s current attendance and to highlight any concerns.

Please ensure that your child arrives at school by 8.45 am. It is very disruptive for staff and pupils when a child arrives late as much key work is covered during the first half hour of teaching time. Children need to be aware that punctuality and general good timekeeping are disciplines for life.

Please note that persistent or extreme lateness (after 9.15am) counts as unauthorised absence, and this will also be monitored by the Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) and penalty notices can be issued following regular lateness.

We recognise that children are sometimes too ill to attend school. Please do not allow your child to stay at home unless s/he is really ill as lessons missed cannot be repeated.

Please report your child’s absence by 9.30am and specify the reason for the absence (please do not state ‘unwell’), by:

– telephone the school to leave a message on the absence line (option 1)

– email the school office on absence@goodmayes.redbridge.sch.uk

– telephone the school to speak to a member of staff (option 2)

You must call the school on each day of absence if your child is unwell.  If your child is absent and we are unable to contact you, he/she will be marked as ‘unauthorised’ in the register. For sickness absence of 5 or more days, medical evidence (e.g. photocopy of prescription, medication bottle, medical note from the GP/hospital or proof of GP appointment) is required.  If your child is persistently absent from school, we may request evidence for all absences.  Please note that 10 unauthorised marks in the register in 10 weeks will be liable for a fixed penalty notice from the Local Authority.

Children who are on antibiotics can still attend school if they are well enough.

Useful guidance and advice

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Wherever possible, routine medical appointments should be made outside of the school day.  However, we understand that on occasions this is not always possible.

If it is necessary for your child to attend medical appointments during school hours, please notify the school office in advance of all medical appointments and provide the necessary evidence in order for us to authorise the absence, i.e. letters, messages or appointment cards.

Please avoid collecting your child during break times or lunchtimes as it can be very difficult for staff to locate individual children during these times.

Leave of absence taken during term time without the permission of the Headteacher will not be authorised, other than in very exceptional or special circumstances. Any requests for absence should be made in writing, by completing a Leave of Absence form (available from the school office or from the website) at least two weeks in advance of your travel date, or as soon as possible in the case of emergency travel, together with evidence of your travel.

We have adopted the London Borough of Redbridge Code of Conduct  which is available to view and download from the website (https://goodmayesprimary.school/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PN-Code-of-Conduct-LBR-2024.pdf)

The Local Authority will issue a Penalty Notice of £80 per child, per parent for unauthorised absences, which may increase to £160, if not paid within 21 days. Any extended unauthorised absences from school will be referred to the Redbridge Education Welfare Services (EWS) and in some circumstances your child may be removed from the school roll.

Leave of Absence Request Form

Religious Festivals

A maximum of three days will be considered for religious observance in one academic year.