Attendance

Mount Pleasant Primary School seeks to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise their true potential. The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels safe and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

The school will establish an effective system of incentives and rewards that acknowledges the efforts of pupils to improve their attendance and timekeeping and will challenge the behaviour of those pupils and parents who give low priority to attendance and punctuality.

To meet these objectives, Mount Pleasant Primary School will establish an effective and efficient system of communication with pupils, parents and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support. 

Punctuality

Pupils can come into school the school grounds from 8.30am, with doors opening at 8:40am. Gates close at 8:50am. If a child arrives at school after 8.50am, they will need to register in the Main Entrance.  Registers close at 9.010 am and arrival at school after this time, will be recorded as late.

Pupils arriving at school after 8.50 a.m. must enter through the main gates and report to the school office to be signed in by an adult. Pupils leaving school for any reason must report to the office before they go so that we can ensure that they are appropriately chaperoned and signed out.  Registers are also taken when the children return to classes after lunch. Unexplained absences will be investigated by the attendance officer.

What is expected of the pupils?

• To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually
• To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied
• To encourage friendship and a sense of belonging
• To be happy and encourage others to feel happy

What is expected of the parents?

• To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence
• To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
• To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
• To work closely with the school to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance
• To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in special/exceptional circumstances.
• To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as statutory tests.
• To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements.

Rewards for positive attendance

The main benefit of regular attendance is continuity and progression in learning. We promote positive attendance through:

• Individual children - certificates and a small prize are awarded at the end of each term for 100% attendance. This is celebrated in assembly.
• Individual children with 100% attendance at the end of the year are rewarded with a trophy.
• Classes - weekly certificates issued for the classes with the highest attendance.