For our children to gain the greatest benefit from their education, it is vital that they attend school regularly and every child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless there is an unavoidable reason to be absent. Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously impact on their learning.
Absence or late arrival also disrupts teaching routines and so may impact on the learning of others in school.
Research shows a direct link between attendance and attainment and good attenders also make better progress socially, learn to work with others and are better prepared for the transition to secondary school.
If your child is going to be absent, parents/carers must inform school as soon as possible and at the latest by 8:45am on the day of the absence by the GST school app or by calling 01995 603454.
If you need support in this area or have any questions, please speak to our Senior Attendance Champion & Pastoral Leader: Lee Baker 01995 603454 or lbaker@garstang-st-thomas.lancs.sch.uk.
LATENESS
Late arrivals at school disrupts teaching routines and may have an impact on both the child who is late and others in their class. We ask the parents/carer try their very best to ensure children are in school on time. We understand that there may be exceptional one-off times when something goes wrong and your child is late, however, if lateness starts to occur regularly, then we will send reminders and ask parents/carer to meet to discuss how we can improve punctuality.
September 2024 update: Parents/carers of children who are late to school are asked to sign in their child in at the school office.
HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME
It is a legal requirement for parents/carers to obtain the permission of the headteacher before removing their child from school in order to take a holiday during term time. Parents/carers do not have an automatic right to take their children out of school for holidays during term time and may be issued with a Penalty Notice – £160 per parent per child. This can be paid at £80 if
paid within 21 days. if they do so without prior arrangement with the headteacher.
Please note leave in term time is only authorised in exceptional circumstances (for example a regional/national sporting competition or a day to attend a close family member’s wedding etc.) but not for holidays. Attendance of all children is regularly monitored by our office team, Mr Baker and Mr Blakely.
Please read our attendance policy for further information:
02046_Attendance Policy 2024-2025
Lancashire County Guidance for Parents/Carers (2024):
PN Updates – Information to Parents 2024
Leave of Absence Form: