Attendance
St Wilfrid's CE Primary School has been working hard to improve the attendance of all pupils.
It is widely recognised that the educational outcomes and future life chances of children and young people can be significantly impacted upon by periods of absence.
Therefore, we want to encourage parents to ensure that their child attends school every day. We do appreciate the fact that a significant number of pupils have excellent attendance and this should be commended.
At St Wilfrid's CE Primary School we fully appreciate that there may be occasions when a pupil’s attendance may be affected due to exceptional circumstances. In these cases support and advice will always be available from the school.
Unfortunately, despite this support, attendance levels for some pupils continue to fall below the school’s expectations of 97%.
All pupils’ attendance is closely monitored by the school and only the head teacher has the power to authorise any absence. All requests for leave during term time must be made in writing to the head teacher.
Where a parent/carer removes their child during term-time without authorisation (including holidays) they may be liable for a penalty notice or prosecution in the magistrate’s court.
A penalty notice will be issued to each parent for each child. The penalty notice incurs a fine of £120 to be paid within 28 days, which is reduced to £60 if paid within the first 21 days.
Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in legal proceedings being taken against you.
Other statutory action may also be considered under the Education Act 1996, which may result in you being prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court.
If your child is experiencing any problems that may be affecting their attendance or punctuality, then please contact the school office on 0161 998 3663 and speak to Sharon Hellier to discuss any support that could be provided to ensure their regular attendance.
We thank you for supporting St Wilfrid's CE Primary School in improving attendance, which will ensure that all pupils in school have the opportunity to reach their full potential and improve outcomes for their future.
School Strategies for Dealing with Absences
First day of absence, we phone parents /carers if absence not reported. If we are unable to make contact, then we may do a home visit. This is in line with our Safeguarding Policy.
5 sessions missed will result in an advisory letter being sent home. Definite home visit carried out.
Further sessions missed = Parent/carers will be invited to attend an informal meeting with the person responsible for school attendance to discuss options of how school can support you getting your child into school.
Further sessions missed = Parent/Carer will be invited to an attendance panel review with the Head, School Nurse, and a member of the governing body. You may also be asked to sign a Parent Contract to help improve your child's attendance.
Each school day consists of 2 sessions.
Session 1 = AM
Session 2 = PM
Penalty Notice Warnings can be issued to parents/carers after only 5 sessions of unauthorised absence i.e 2 ½ days
If your child is going to be absent for any reason please phone school before the register closes at 9.15am
We would also request parents/carers provide school with medical evidence when absence is related to illness, ie. a copy of prescriptions or medical/appointment cards to support their absence.
Times for the school day
Our school gate opens at 8.35am. Children can go straight in to their class from 8.35am
The school day starts at 8.45am. The children should be in class by then and ready to learn.
The school register closes at 9am. In line with our Academy Trust attendance policy, children arriving after this will be entered on the register as unauthorised and will count as an absence.
Dentist/Doctors’ appointments are also counted as an absence and should, where possible, be made outside of school hours.
The Hive - After School Club
Please contact Sophie Heaney, The Hive's manager, to book your child's place.
07503 887 973
afterschoolcare@st-wilfridscofe.manchester.sch.uk
The Hive is open:
Mondays - Thursdays 3.05pm - 5.30pm
Fridays 3.05pm - 5.15pm
The Hive's prices:
3.05pm - 4.30pm: £6
Or £9.50 for the full session
You can pay for booked sessions via School Hub. Please contact our school office if you require assistance with School Hub.
St Wilfrid's Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club is open from 7.45am each morning and breakfast is served until 8.15am.
We offer a choice of breakfast cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt and juice/water/milk, all for £2.50 per day!
Children are escorted to their class at 8.35am by a member of staff to start their school day.
You can book your child's place at Breakfast Club using School Hub. Look for 'Breakfast Club' under 'Items' and choose the days you require.
Please contact our school office if you need assistance with School Hub.
Being frequently late for school adds up to lost learning:
- Arriving 5 minutes late every day = 3 days lost each year.
- Arriving 15 minutes late each day = absent for 2 weeks a year.
- Arriving 30 minutes late every day = absent for 19 days a year.
- Please help your child reach their full potential and get them here on time and ready to start their learning.