Attendance
How do we promote positive school attendance?
We celebrate good school attendance throughout the year. We celebrate the best weekly class attendance and winning classes receive additional playtime minutes.
So why is school attendance so important?
All pupils need to attend school regularly to benefit from their education – it is central to raising standards in education and ensuring all pupils can fulfil their potential. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind. Children with poor attendance tend to achieve less in both primary and secondary school. Parents need to perform their legal duty by ensuring their children of compulsory school age who are registered at school attend regularly.
The government expects:
- Schools and local authorities to:
- Promote good attendance and reduce absence, including persistent absence;
- Ensure every pupil has access to full-time education to which they are entitled;
- Act early to address patterns of absence.
Castletown Primary recognises the vital role good attendance plays in your child’s school life and academic achievement. We expect all children to attend school regularly and punctually in order to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.
The school day begins with registration at 8:50a.m (pupils can start arriving to school from 8:30am). Finishing times are staggered as follows:
Reception and KS1 - 3:20pm (Nursery - 3:00pm)
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 - 6) - 3:30pm
We understand that, on occasions, there may be unavoidable reasons for your child’s absence. You should notify the school by 8.45 a.m. on the first day of your child’s absence. You can leave a message regarding your child’s absence by telephoning the main school number 0191 5497777. In the event that your child’s absence is likely to be prolonged please contact the head teacher. Castletown Primary works in conjunction with Attendance 100 service to support pupils to achieve good attendance. Those pupils achieving 90% attendance and below will be closely monitored. Unauthorised absences for any reason can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice issued to each person with parental responsibility.
Punctuality
The school gates officially open at 8:30am for children to enter the school. A member of staff will be present at the school gate to meet the children. Please make sure your child does not enter any earlier than this time as there will not be any adult supervision. Registration takes place in class at 8:50am. If your child arrives later than 8:50am please report to the school office.
Further information, on school attendance, can be found on the Sunderland City Council website.
Holidays during term time
Can I ask parents to be aware of the following when requesting holiday absence:
- Holiday’s are granted entirely at the school’s discretion. Parents do not have a right to holiday leave for their child.
- A holiday request form must be completed and handed into the school office (forms can be obtained from the school office)
- The headteacher will make a decision child by child. Only in exceptional circumstances will holidays during term time be granted.
- The fact that a holiday has been bought by another family member or as a gift will not affect the decision made.
