Attendance
At BCPA we expect pupils to attend every day that the school is open unless a reason acceptable to the school is given and we are able to authorise the absence.
Registration
The morning register closes at 9am, after this time a child is considered late to school and should report to the school office. Any child arriving at school after 9am is late and is marked in the class register as “L”. Any child arriving at school after 9.15am will be marked in the school register as “U”. This is unauthorised lateness and counts statistically as an absence for the whole session.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unwell, we ask that you telephone the school absence line (01242 673 814) by 8.45am every day of absence. You will need to leave your child’s name, class and reason for absence.
Children with vomiting and/or diarrhoea should be kept off school for 48 hours after the last incidence of vomiting/diarrhoea.
Holiday Absence
Holidays will not be authorised during term-time, and for students of compulsory school age unauthorised holidays may result in a Penalty Notice being issued. A Penalty is issued to each parent for each child taken out of school, this is a fine of £60 if paid within the first 21 days which increases to £120 if paid between 21 and 28 days. If not paid, legal action can be taken against you.
Warning letters relating to unauthorised absence for holidays, will not be issued. BCPA will only authorise a term time holiday request if the reason is believed to meet exceptional circumstances under Government guidelines. Parents must apply in writing to take a child out of school during term time using a holiday request form at least 10 working days prior to the absence.
Persistent absence
Attendance is monitored regularly by the School Attendance Officer. If a child’s attendance falls below 92% contact will be made with parents to discuss strategies to improve attendance. If persistent absence continues to be a concern parent will be invited into school for an ASP (Attendance Support Plan meeting). During this meeting we will work together to understand and overcome the barriers to attendance and create a plan moving forward. If attendance continues to decline an AIM (attendance improvement meeting) will be held. If no improvement is seen, this will result in the school issuing penalty notices.
If you would like to discuss your child’s attendance or request support improving attendance for your child, please email Miss Browne (Deputy Headteacher and School Attendance Officer) or Miss Kelly (GLA Pastoral Lead).
Please Click Here for our Attendance Handbook
Please click here for our Request for leave of absence form
Please click here for our holiday warning letter
Please click here for NHS advice about when to keep a sick child off school.