Attendance, Absence & Medical

Child Absence

If your child is going to be absent from school, please ring before 9:30am on the first day. You will be able to leave a message stating name, class and reason for absence. If a specific reason has not been left we may call you back. When a child is absent from school and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school.

Please ring the absence line on 01279 423 485

For information and guidance when your child is ill, please click on the Childhood Illnesses Information form.

Childhood Illnesses Information

Attendance

Our School target is 93% (COVID-19)

Each term, children who have achieved 100% attendance have the opportunity to win a voucher and the pupil with the most improved attendance is also recognised and rewarded with a prize. 

If your child's attendance falls below 94% you will be picked up by the Education Welfare Officer and you may be asked to attend a meeting in school. 

Important Reminder Regarding Leave of Absence

Holidays during term time are unauthorised by the school.  Jerounds Primary Academy adheres to Essex County Council's Code of Conduct in taking children out of school during term time.  Leave taken without permission of the Head Teacher will be recorded as unauthorised, and you may be liable to a Penalty Notice resulting in a £60 fine per child, per parent.  (Rising to £120 if not paid within 28 days).

Leave of Absence from school

Term Time is school time- regulations state that we cannot grant leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance and there are exceptional circumstances (this is a leave of absence which we feel would be of unique and significant emotional, educational or spiritual value to the child which outweighs the loss of teaching time).

Application in writing must be made to the Attendance Manager. Any leave of absence that has not been authorised will be referred to the Missing Education and Child Employment Service. This may result in the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution proceedings, which carries a maximum penalty of £120 for each parent.

How do I let the school know about medical and hospital appointments?

If the appointment really can’t be organised outside of school hours then you’ll need to write a letter to the School Office. The letter should state the date, time and type of appointment e.g. hospital, doctors etc and be accompanied by a copy of the actual appointment letter as well.

How will the school let me know if it’s closed due to snow?

Whilst the school is determined always to stay open, severe weather can mean that it isn’t safe for pupils to be in school. On these occasions the school uses their website, ParentMail and Heart radio to inform parents.

What should I do if my child is unwell and unable to go to school?

If your child is going to be absent from school please ring before 9:30am. You will be able to leave a message stating name, class and reason for absence. When your child is absent and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school. Depending on the amount of time your child has off school we may require medical evidence.

When your child returns to school, send in a letter to explain the absence.