Attendance

We aim to give your child the very best education possible. To do this, it is essential that your child attends school everyday. Their years at Discovery Primary Academy are the most important time for your child.

Attendance at school is compulsory. A record of unauthorised absences has to be entered on the child’s Annual Report.  Children should normally be absent only in case of illness. For longer absences, we also require information upon return to school. We do ask, though, that if your child is sick before morning school that he/she is kept at home for the day to prevent spreading infection. If a child has a stomach bug we request that the child remains at home until 48 hours after the last symptoms – sickness or diarrhoea. We also need an absence request form to be completed for parents wishing to take their children out of school during term time. These requests should be avoided where and whenever possible.

The Department for Education states that it is the responsibility of parents to:

(a) Ensure that their children arrive at school on time, properly attired and in a condition to  learn.
(b) Instil in their children a respect for education - and for those who deliver it.
(c) Impress upon their children the need to observe the school’s code of conduct and reinforce this through discipline in the home.
(d) Inform schools of the reason for a child’s absence as soon as possible and to provide  further information as required.

What you need to do and what the school will do if your child is absent

Contact the academy on 01733 325001 as early as possible - and before 8:50am - with the reason for absence. You are able to leave a message on the pupil absence line if no-one is available to take the call.  

If your child’s absence becomes a concern, you will be informed of this in writing. If your child’s absence falls below 95% or below you will be invited to a meeting with the Academy Attendance Panel and the Local Authority will be informed. You will need to provide evidence for the absences for example an appointment card. Additional days of absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Failure to attend and support the school may result in a visit from the Local Authority Attendance Officer.

Lateness
Please be aware that 8.40am is the strict start of the school day. The gates open at 8:30am and doors are open from 8.30am - 8.40am to allow children to prepare for learning. Late arrival may result in an unauthorised absence mark.

Are you worried about your child?
If you feel that your child is worried about bullying, school work, etc. then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher on Class Dojo or, if you prefer, please message the year group Phase Leaders. Senior staff are also happy to help.