Attendance at Stephenson
Stephenson Memorial Primary School recognises that positive behaviour and good attendance are central to raising standards and pupil attainment. We expect all children on roll to attend every day when the school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so.
The Government guidelines state that all children are expected to have an attendance of at least 96%. Last year, children who achieved an attendance of 98% and above, celebrated with a special breakfast and ice-cream party for themselves and their families.
Absence Procedures
If a child is absent parents MUST
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Contact school by 9am on the first morning of absence Telephone 0191 500 6670, which also has a 24 hour answering machine
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Call into the school office to report the absence
If no reason is received, the Attendance team will attempt to make contact by phone/text or undertake a home visit.
If contact is not possible, the parent will receive a letter from the Attendance team. The reply slip MUST be completed and returned or the absence will be unauthorised.
Medical Appointments
Wherever possible ALL medical appointments must be made out of school hours. It is unfair to the child to be leaving or arriving half-way through a lesson. We understand that a lot of hospital appointments are allocated and unable to be changed. Dentist, Doctor or Optician appointments can be made at times convenient to the child. Medical appointment letters/cards must be given to the office so they may be copied and held in your child's file.
Holidays
All time taken outside statutory school holidays will be unauthorised by the school, unless in exceptional circumstances (see Policy). An absence notification request form must be completed and returned to school. These are available from the school office.
Attendance Certificates and Prizes.
There were 179 children who had 98% attendance and above last year. Well done to them! Certificates are awarded each term for attendance of 98% and above.
In addition to certificates, all children who receive GOLD awards at the end of the year will be invited to a party along with the class with the highest attendance.
Whole class attendance is awarded each term. Last year class 10 had the best Attendance every term and were able to choose fun activities as their special treat – a trip to “Airbox Bounce“ was just one of them.