Missing a few days of school here and there may not seem a big deal, but research shows that it can have a significant impact on children's learning. Children who miss a substantial amount of school fall behind their peers, and struggle to catch up. Most of the work they miss is never made up, which can lead to big gaps in their learning.
Friendships can be affected by persistent absence, too. It can be hard for a child who misses lots of school to form relationships with their classmates.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is extremely important for your child’s wellbeing and progress in school. We realise that small children are sometimes poorly and need to stay at home, but we would like to encourage you to ensure that your child comes to school every day.
Lateness
Please arrive on time at the beginning of the school day. If you arrive after the session has started this can have an impact on your child’s day as they can become anxious and upset.
If you are going to be late collecting your child from school at the end of the day, please contact the school office to let us know as soon as possible. However, if this becomes a regular occurrence a fee will be charged. Children can become very anxious if they are left behind, and it is important that we can reassure them that you are on your way.
Reporting absence
If your child is absent from school for any reason, we ask that you contact the school office before 8.30am on the first day of absence. You can do this by calling the school office on 0113 5128746 or by emailing admin@cockburnhaighroad.org
Authorised Absence
An absence is classified as authorised when a child has been away from school for a legitimate reason and the school has received notification from a parent or carer. For example, if a child has been unwell and the parent telephones the school to explain the absence or for a medical appointment where school has seen a card or letter, a part day will be authorised
Only the school can make an absence authorised. Parents do not have this authority. Consequently, not all absences supported by parents will be classified as authorised.
Unauthorised Absence
An absence is classed as unauthorised when a child is away from school without the permission of the school and without good reason, even with the support of a parent.
Absences will not be authorised if:
Holidays in term time
Under new legislation we are no longer able to authorise holidays during term time. Where children require time off during the school term we are only able to authorise this under exceptional circumstances, in some instances proof of circumstances may be required. Where parents request leave for their child, each case will be considered on an individual basis, taking all available information into consideration before a decision is made.
Attendance and punctuality is very important at Cockburn Haigh Road.
Our school target is 97%.
We celebrate class punctuality and attendance at our Celebration Assembly every Friday. The winning class get a trophy for the week and if their attendance is above the school target they get the chance to roll the dice on the giant schoolopoly board to win a prize for their class.
This website covers some of the most common illnesses that your child may suffer from whilst at school. We will use these guidelines to assess whether your child is fit enough to attend school.