Attendance
At St Martin's CE Primary, we always aim to achieve excellent attendance for all pupils. We want to make the most of every child's one chance at Primary School, and this starts with attending every day.
We want to provide our families with the help and support required to ensure that high attendance is achieved for all pupils. We are proud of our attendance and work together to continue to improve this.
Absence
If your child is going to be absent from school due to illness please contact the school office on each day of the absence. On occasion, evidence may be requested to help authorise the absence.
If you are planning on requesting a leave of absence from school, then you must arrange a meeting with Mrs Lees to discuss this. A form must then be completed. Leave of absence requests must be made in advance and full details regarding the absence will be requested.
Penalty notices issued for absences from 2024/2025 school year and onwards:
New national legislation comes in to force on the 19th August 2024 regarding the issue of penalty notices for any unauthorised Leave of Absence. This new legislation is an attempt to improve school attendance. Unauthorised absences / Leave of Absence will no longer be looked at on an individual basis but over a period of time (three years).
Penalty notices in respect of the same child will now change to the following:
- The first penalty notice issued to a parent in respect of a pupil will increase to £80 per parent/ per child if paid within 21 days. This fine will increase to £160 per parent / per child between days 21 and 28. This will be for the first unauthorised penalty notice.
- The second unauthorised penalty notice will, within a three-year period, be £160 per parent / per child – if paid within 28 days. There is no reduced amount for paying early.
- The third and any further unauthorised LOA requests will not receive a penalty notice – the case will proceed to the Magistrates court for prosecution.
- This means that a maximum of two penalty notices will be issued (per parent, per child) within a three-year period. Once three years has elapsed since the first penalty notice was issued a further penalty notice can then be issued.
The legislation also states that unauthorised absences can also be added together in a rolling period of 10 weeks. This means that separate unauthorised leave of absence requests can be added together and a penalty notice given.
If you have any further questions regarding attendance or would like support or advice please do not hesitate to contact the school office or Mrs Lees.
Guidance and policy
Adverse Weather
Where to listen / browse for school closures
The easiest way that we can let you know about any school closure is via Class Dojo alerts, We will post immediately on Class Dojo if we are closed for any reason, if you have given school your mobile phone number, we will usually be able to send you a text regarding the closure.
Parents are also advised to listen to local radio stations for up to the minute information.
We have provided a selection of radio websites here which may offer additional information.
- :: more on Free Radio
- :: more on Heart FM
- :: more on The Bridge
- :: more on BBC WM