Attendance
At Belvedere Infant School we believe that regular and punctual attendance is absolutely vital if children are to make sustained progress, reach their full potential and feel part of their class and whole school community. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning. Parents have a duty to ensure that their children are receiving efficient full-time education. All children, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to a full time education which is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. Children missing education (CME) are at significant risk of underachieving, being victims of abuse, and becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) later on in life.
Schools also have safeguarding duties under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 in respect of their pupils, and as part of this should investigate any unexplained absences. Please see the Attendance Policy here.
So that every child can achieve their full potential we aim:
- To encourage pupils to attend every day and arrive punctually
- To create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where children feel valued
- To provide a stimulating and accessible curriculum
- To ensure parents understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality and are fully aware of school procedures
- To strive for an attendance percentage of 96% or above for each pupil in line with national standards.
Procedures in the school
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Beginning of day - school gate opens at: |
Lower Road entrance: 8.45am Mitchell Close entrance for Nursery: 8.20am |
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Morning Registration: |
8.30am Nursery 8.55am Reception and Key Stage 1 |
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Afternoon registration: |
12.30pm Nursery 1.00pm Reception & Key Stage 1 |
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Late mark after registration closes |
9.00am |
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Absence procedures |
Parents must contact the school on first morning of absence – telephone or email If no contact is made/no explanation given for absence by the parent/carer the school will make contact – First Day Calling If the school is unable to make direct contact the Safeguarding Lead may authorise engagement with Children’s Social Services Home visits by Educational Welfare Officer may be made for pupils with persistent absence or where there are safeguarding concerns Senior Leaders will be consulted about unexplained absences and they may authorise that the school need to contact Children’s Social Services, EWO or police when a child’s absence cannot be accounted for |
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Signing in and out |
School office |
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Children leaving school in the day time |
Evidence of appointment letter will be requested or confirmation text seen. |
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Rewards |
Whole class certificate issued weekly. A small prize at end of 3 terms with 100% attendance Praise in achievement assembly |
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Notifying parents of poor attendance/punctuality |
Absence letters sent home fortnightly, lateness letters after 3 lateness in a ½ term. Meetings with Inclusion Team and if necessary Educational Welfare Officer |
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EWO visits to schools |
Fortnightly |
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Children on the Child Protection Register |
Safeguarding and Inclusion Team will contact social services if a child is absent, even when reasons are unauthorised |