Denham Village School seeks to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise his/her true potential.  The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted 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 Denham Village 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 from 8.45 am and the school day starts promptly at 9.00 a.m. If a child arrives at school after 9.00 a.m. without prior arrangements having been agreed, he/she will be deemed late.  Registers close at 9.00 a.m. and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded.

Pupils arriving at school after 9.00 a.m. must enter through the main entrance 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 school.

What is expected of the pupils?

•  To respect themselves and others

•  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 keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum

• 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 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 in regard to attendance during important academic times such as SATS, phonics screening etc.

• To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements