It is not feasible for the school to phone parents if a child is not in school. However, the school needs to be informed on the first morning of a child’s absence, we therefore ask parents to telephone the school.  When the child returns to school, a letter of explanation must be brought in for our records. If it is a long illness, we are happy to send books and work home.  Please come and discuss this with us.  Traditionally, Townfield children enjoy coming to school, so if your child develops worries about attendance, please talk to us to resolve any problems. 

An authorised absence means the school is aware why your child was absent.  A letter of explanation on return to school is essential to avoid an unauthorised mark in the register.

We actively discourage parents from taking holidays in term time.  The children have 13 weeks school holiday.  Every week lost equals approximately 25 lessons!

Although we accept that it is impossible for some parents to take their leave in school holiday time, we cannot emphasis enough how vital it is for your child to attend everyday.  It is impossible to repeat concepts taught in lesson time, so lost time needs to be caught up at home.

It is especially important to try and not take holidays during September when the children are settling into new classes, forging friendships and getting used to classroom routines. If you are unable to organise family holidays to coincide with school holidays, leave of absence must be applied for.  Forms are available from the school office.  Up to ten school days in one academic year, can be granted as leave of absence at the Head teacher’s discretion and only if the child has above 90% attendance.  Any days after this will count as unauthorised absence.

At the end of the 2007-2008 academic year, it was reported to Governors that 1025.5 days had been missed due to holidays being taken during term time. This equated to 94.3% attendance level for the whole school over the year. At the end of each term, trophies are awarded to those children who have achieved 100% attendance across the year and this year 12 children received this award. 

The Governing Body monitors pupil attendance rate, setting a school target of 95%.  In 2007 – 2008 the attendance were as below.  Sessions are either an AM or PM in school.

Number of pupils of compulsory age on roll                                   354                                             

Number of Pupil Sessions                                                               128238                               

Total number of authorised absence sessions                                  6338                                   

Number of day pupils with at least one                                           335

authorised absence                                                                                                                     

Number of unauthorised absence                                                    1123

Number of day pupils with at least one                                           188

unauthorised absence                                                                     

% Authorised                                                                                  4.94%                                 

% Unauthorised                                                                               0.8%