It's is indeed a small school with a big heart. My son loves the school and was warmly welcomed and has integrated beautifully
Attendance and absence
At Foresters Primary School we are committed to providing a full educational experience for all pupils. We believe that, if pupils are to benefit from education, regular attendance is vital. The government defines good attendance as at least 96% as it has been proven that children with this level of attendance are higher achievers. Regular and punctual attendance ensures that your child settles well, is happy at school and able to take advantage of all that Foresters has to offer.
At Foresters Primary School, we monitor attendance closely as we know for the children to achieve their best at school they have to be here often.
Below is an example of how quickly poor attendance and odd days off can escalate to your child being persistently absent.
Punctuality
The school day starts promptly and the class teachers have learning activities set up for the children as soon as they enter the classroom and start their main teaching after the registers are taken, once the gates are closed. Anyone arriving after the gates are closed, your child will be marked as ‘Late’ on the register and will enter through the main school offices.
Children have expressed to us that they find it embarrassing to be late and unsettling as they have missed the start of their lessons. They then do not know straight away what they are meant to be doing and depending on how late they are they may have already missed a lesson. All teaching staff ensure this transition is as smooth as can be, but they cannot take away the fact that your child is late.
Please make every effort to ensure your child is on time each day.
What do I do if my child is absent?
If your child is ill then they should stay at home.
If you child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, they should not return to school until 48 hours after the last bout of illness.
Please note that if your child is unwell for 5 or more days, medical evidence may be requested. If your child’s attendance falls below 90% medical evidence will be requested for any attendance to be authorised.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, it is important that you inform the school of the absence before 8.30am, either by e-mail to office@foresters.sutton.sch.uk or by telephone and leave a message on the answering machine, clearly stating:
- Your child’s name and class
- The reason for their absence (including details of any illness)
Please contact us every day of absence (unless notified at the beginning of the absence period).
If your child is absent after being sent home unwell from school on the previous day; please still call or e-mail to confirm their illness or reason for absence.
Special Leave Request
As detailed in our Attendance Policy, and in line with DfE guidance, we do not authorise leave of absence during term other than when exceptional circumstances permit. If you wish to take your child out of school, during term time, it is important to discuss this with us as much in advance as possible so we can guide you through the process.
Where absence is unauthorised, it could lead to further action being taken including a penalty notice being issued.
Approval for leave must be applied for BEFORE organising any travel plans. Please send an email to the office in the first instance. Leave will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
