A message from our School Attendance Officer
I am sure that many of you know who I am but for those new to school I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Gemma Alderson and I am the School Attendance Officer and Safeguarding Administrator. I have worked at Newlands Primary School for the last 9 years and during that time we have worked really hard to try and improve school attendance.
The Department for Education expect all children to be in school at least 95% of the school year. In order for children to achieve this it means that they cannot be absent from school for more 10 days during a single school year.
Despite our efforts, our overall attendance in school last year was 93.61%. Whilst our hard work was recognised at the last OFSTED inspection, attendance at Newlands remains a concern.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers which you may find useful:
Is my child’s attendance in school compulsory?
Attendance is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age (term after their 5th birthday). This means it’s your legal duty as a parent to send your child to school regularly. It is also important to note that whilst attendance in nursery is not mandatory, Wakefield Council fund these places and regularly check attendance. If your child is not regularly attending, they may look at reducing your funded hours or in some cases removing the full place.
Why is regular school attendance so important for my child?
Regular attendance at school means that your child can make the most of their education and improve their chances in adult life. School can also help your child’s social skills such as making and developing friendships. A regular and punctual attendance pattern will help your child when they enter the world of work. The link between attendance and attainment in school is clear. The more a pupil is in school the more they increase their opportunity to fulfil their potential.
What can I do to improve my child's attendance?
Whilst we understand that children do get unwell, it is important that we work on building resilience. Ailments such as a common cold, sore throat, headache, etc. can all be managed with paracetamol and do not always require them to stay at home.
If your child is absent due to illness or an appointment, please ensure that you report this to school before 0900. This can be done by calling 01924 302585 or texting the school mobile 07852982323.
For medical appointments, proof of these will need to be seen in order for us to authorise the absence.
If anyone would like to discuss their child's attendance, please get in touch. I am always here to help and advice:
01924 302585
07852982323 - text and WhatsApp only
galderson@newlands.wakefield.sch.uk
How do I help my child who is becoming a School Refuser?
This Wakefield brochue is filled with helpful information and contacts to support you and your child.
Parent/Carer Booklet of Information and Resources from Wakefield
In addition, please contact the school and speak to Mrs Greendale so that we can disccuss and support you and your child.