The Importance of Attending School
We believe that in order to facilitate teaching and learning, good attendance is vital. Pupils cannot achieve their full potential if they do not regularly attend school. Attendance at school is compulsory and parents have a legal responsibility for their children's attendance during term time. Where attendance is an issue, we will work with you to find solutions, however persistent absences without good reason may result in penalty notices and further action being taken by City of York Council.
Reporting an absence or attendance issue
If your child is unwell or will be absent for any other reason today, please let us know by calling 01904 552540. Please notify us of any absence as soon as you can, and by 8.45am wherever possible. You can also email admin@stmarysprimaryschool.co.uk to inform us asap.
Ways you can help
- Book appointments outside of school hours wherever you can. There are 175 non-school days in the year, please try and make routine appointments (e.g., dentist) during holidays or afterschool.
- Talk to us - if you are worried about your child, please contact your child's class teacher.
- Model good attendance behaviour and ensure your child attends school everyday (unless illness prevents this).
Requesting an absence during term time
- The Headteacher is unable to authorise holidays during term time.
- The Headteacher is only allowed to grant a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. Applications for exceptional leave must be made in advance and the Headteacher must be satisfied by the evidence which is presented, before authorising term-time leave.
- Any request for exceptional leave will be considered on an individual basis and the pupil's previous attendance record will be taken into account.
Further Information
Further information and guidance about attendance can be found on the City of York Council website.
