We work closely with our families as we see them as partners in their child education and development. We promote coming to school every day to support children's academic achievement, positive mental health and well-being as well as lifelong learning and life skills. If you have any queries or questions please speak to an adult in your childs class team or contact the school office.

The government and school target for attendance is at least 96%.

 

 

Research commissioned by the Department for Education shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve good grades, which can have a damaging effect on their life chances. At Arden Grove Infant & Nursery School our aim is to work with parents to ensure that all our pupils receive the most from their education and reach their full potential.

This section of our website is to remind all parents/carers regarding the law that requires them to ensure that their child attends school regularly. The Government remains very clear that no child should miss school apart from in exceptional circumstances and schools must continue to take steps to reduce absence to support children's attainment.

In the DfE policy document for School Attendance it states: 'Headteachers should not grant leave of absence unless there are exceptional circumstances. The application must be made in advance and the headteacher must be satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances based on the individual facts and circumstances of the case which warrants the leave. Where a leave of absence is granted, the head teacher will determine the number of days a pupil can be away from school. A leave of absence is granted entirely at the headteacher's discretion."

If the school does not receive a request for leave, the headteacher will be unable to consider your individual circumstances and the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. There will be no obligation on the headteacher to reconsider authorising the leave if an application has not been made in advance.

The Local Authority operates a system (changed as of September 2020) where any pupil will meet the criteria for legal intervention where they have:

1. At least 9 sessions (4.5 school days) lost to unauthorised absence by the pupil during the last 6 school week period; or
2. 15% unauthorised absence over a period of 6 school weeks for reasons other than unauthorised term time holiday.

The intervention could be in the form of a Fixed Penalty Notice. Any pupil at Arden Grove Infant & Nursery School who meets either of the above criteria will be referred to the Local Authority for action to be considered.

If a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued, it is a fine of £60 per parent per child which must be paid in one payment within 21 days. If unpaid, a further invoice of £60 per parent, per child is issued; both individual invoices would then have to be paid making a total payment of £120 (per parent) in 28 days. You should be aware that failure to pay the total amount within the timescale will result in legal action being taken.

We hope we can count on your support in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions.