Attendance

Parents do not have a legal right to take their children out of school. Your child should only miss school if they are ill or have authorisation from the Headteacher. At Carlton J & I, we believe that children must be in school to learn. We tackle absences from school rigorously and work with the local authority to ensure children are always in school so that they can succeed.

Medical Appointments

Where possible, children should attend medical appointments outside of school time or in the school holidays. We understand that sometimes this is not always possible. On these occasions, parents should bring an appointment letter or card to the school office at least one day before their child will be absent from school.

Sickness Absence

If your child is so ill that they must be absent from school you are asked to telephone the school; at 01924 325265 before 9.30 am to explain the absence.  If you are unable to contact us on the day of your child’s absence, a written note should be sent with your child on their return. We will contact you to find out why your child is not in school.

Holiday Requests

A request to take your child out of school for a holiday in term time should be made directly to the Headteacher. There is a simple form to complete which is available from the school office. You will receive a response to your request in writing. Please note since the 2006 amendments to DfE regulations Headteachers are no longer able to authorise absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.  The Head Teacher should also determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

Leave of absence exceptional circumstance:

• If a parent is service personnel and is returning from a tour of duty abroad where it is evidenced the individual will not be in receipt of any leave in the near future that coincides with school holidays
• Where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent or child’s rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue
• The death or terminal illness of a close relative, only if the Head Teacher is satisfied that the circumstances are truly exceptional
• Out of school programmes such as music, arts or sports operate at a high standard of achievement.  Documentary evidence of this event will be required
• Religious Observance – The Education Act 1996 S444(3) (c) states “on any day exclusively set apart for religious observance by the religious body to which his/her parent belongs”.

Attendance Rewards

Good attendance is rewarded and each week the best attending classes will win a Green, Gold or Blue trophy. Children will be rewarded with a Voucher termly to celebrate fantastic attendance and annually they will receive a certificate and a mystery prize if they have reached 100% attendance for the whole year.