Attendance
At Bishop Tufnell Primary School we encourage excellent attendance and every half term we award 100% attendance certificates to pupils. It is important your child attends school to ensure a good education. By law, as a parent or carer, you must make sure that your child receives a suitable full time education. This means that your child should not have sessions of unauthorised absence. Regular attendance means 100% of the time the school is open unless you have the permission from the Head Teacher to be absent.
If your child is too ill to go to school, please ensure you let the school office know preferably before 8.30am. You can leave a message anytime on the answer phone by calling 01243 584412. If we do not receive a reason as to why your child is absent, they may receive an unauthorised mark. Where possible please provide the school with medical evidence such as a doctor’s appointment card or letter, especially where children are off for more than a few days.
We encourage parents not to take their children out of school during term time. If you do need to take your child out of school for exceptional circumstances, please complete a request form available from the school office.
If you take your child out of school without the approval of the school for five days (ten sessions) or more, you will be liable to receive a Penalty Notice from West Sussex County Council for failing to ensure your child’s regular school attendance.
Each parent will be liable to receive a Penalty Notice for each child who is absent. The Penalty Notice is £60 if paid within 21 days and £120 if paid after 21 days, but within 28 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in the Local Authority considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.
For more information, click here to access advice from West Sussex County Council.