Attendance and Absence

Bellingham Primary School believes that a high level of school attendance is directly linked to a pupil's acievement, life chances and future employment.  Parentes, carers, pupils and staff all have a responsibility to ensure that pupils achieve excellent attendance.  Excellent attendance promotes excellent learning.  Regular school attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential.

We believe that regular school attendance is crucial in allowing children to maximise the educational opportunities available to them and become emotionally resilient, confident and competent adults who are able to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to their community.

We value all pupils.  As set out in our Attendance Policy, we will work with families to early identify the reasons for poor attendance and try to reolve any difficulties which may be affecting this

We believe attendance is a shared responsibility, invoving the whole shool community and local community.  Our Attendance Policy should not be viewed in isolation; it is a thread that runs through all aspects of school life.

Can you grant holiday or other leave of absence requests?

For planned absence from school in exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement, religious observance, sporting or musical activities, please complete the Leave of Absence Request form and submit to the school.  You will receive a letter which will outline the Headteacher's decision.

A family holiday does not normally meet the Department for Education's criteria for exceptional circumstnaces, and therefore headteachers are not usually permitted to authorise absence for holidays during term time.

If you wish to take your child out of school, the Leave of Abence Request form must be made to the Headteacher before the absence takes place.