Attendance
The Importance of Regular Attendance at Rowlands Gill
We would like to remind all of our parents/carers how important it is for children to attend school regularly and avoid any unnecessary absence in order for them to reach their full potential.
During the mornings all children across the school focus on Maths and English and this is an essential part of their learning. Arriving at school even a few minutes late means they will have missed some vital instructions at the start of a lesson and may subsequently find it difficult to catch up.
Please make an effort to ensure your child arrives promptly. Our school bell rings at 8.55am promptly and lessons begin from 9.00am. Gates are closed at 8.55am. Children arriving after this time must enter school via the main entrance.
The government’s expectation for school attendance
The government’s expectation for attendance is 97%. So for example if your child is off 9 days during the academic year this would be the equivalent of a 95% attendance, which is below the expectation. It is vital, therefore, that parents aim to minimise time off due to sickness. If your child has a medical appointment, we would be grateful if parents could try and get this for the late afternoon so that children’s registration marks are unaffected.
What to do if your child is ill
If your child is unavoidably ill please remember to telephone school to report the absence before 9am. You can telephone the school on 01207 549 359 and leave a message on the absence line. It is important that we know your child is absent so we can ensure their safety, as well as supporting you, should you have any problems. If you do not report the absence then we have to record it as unauthorised absence with no reason given. Should this continue, we may have to report it to the Education Service at Gateshead Council.
Ongoing issues/medical problems
If your child has an ongoing issue or medical problem, it may be necessary for us to complete a care plan with you. Please see Mrs Rowell initially to discuss this. Please remember persistent or regular absence can only be authorised if medical evidence is provided by a G.P. or Consultant. Failure to provide this evidence may result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised and again a referral to the Education Service.
If your child has a dentist/doctor/optician appointment, you will need to ensure you bring in the appointment card when your child needs to leave school early or late. Where possible, we would appreciate it if you could arrange appointments at the end of the school day or during the holidays.
The school nurses are always available if you need advice and can be contacted via the school office. Please see the Facebook page from the links below.
Some Statistics to Contemplate about Attendance at School
- 98% attendance = 4 days absent from school
- 95% attendance = 9 days absent from school
- 90% attendance = 4 weeks absent from school
- 85% attendance = 5 ½ weeks absent from school
- 80% attendance = 7 ½ weeks absent from school (more than one half term)
Please click on the link below to view our Attendance Policy:
Please click on the links below to view Guidance for Parents on Supporting School Attendance:
Attendance Leaflet for Parents (School)
If you require your child(ren) to have additional days off in school time please download and fill out our Leave of Absence form below and hand it back to the school office. A holiday request form MUST be filled out 2 weeks before the absence. Please also read the Holiday in Term Time Parents leaflet and the PN for UA Leave of Absence Procedure.
Child Illness and Infection Exclusion Period Table
Please click on the link below to view the exclusion period table for pupil illness and infections it is important to follow these guidelines to help prevent the risk of spreading illness and infection in school.
