School Attendance
Attendance at St. John the Baptist V.A. School
At St. John the Baptist VA School, we know that good attendance is key to helping every child thrive. When pupils attend regularly, they are more likely to enjoy school, achieve their goals and build the secure foundations they need for future success.
Regular attendance also plays an important role in keeping children safe. Missing school frequently can have a negative impact on learning and may increase the risk of children becoming involved in unsafe or anti-social behaviour. Our full Attendance Policy is available on the school website if you would like to read more.
Understanding Absence
There are two types of school absence: authorised and unauthorised. Only the Headteacher can decide whether an absence will be authorised.
Absences may be authorised for:
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Illness
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Religious observance
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Medical or dental appointments that cannot be arranged outside school hours
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Fixed-term or permanent exclusions
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Holidays agreed two weeks in advance by the Headteacher
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Agreed flexi-schooling arrangements
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Legitimate dual registration with another setting.
How Parents Can Help
You play a vital role in supporting your child’s attendance. Here are some ways you can help:
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Contact the school as soon as possible to explain the reason for any absence.
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Arrive on time each morning — school starts at 8:55am.
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Book medical or dental appointments outside school hours whenever possible.
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Avoid unnecessary time off school — only keep your child at home when it is truly needed.
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Let us know who is collecting your child if it is someone other than you.
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Plan family holidays during school breaks and avoid term-time holidays, particularly during the important first week of the autumn term.