Attendance 

In the event of a child’s absence, parents should inform the school of the reason for absence, either by phone on the first day of absence or by letter on their return. This is essential for the protection of the child in that it allows parents and school to detect any cases of truancy.  Cases of infrequent or irregular attendance that are not supported by a reasonable excuse will be referred to the Schools’ Attendance Officer. The school is required to inform the Scottish Executive of the number of school absences and the reasons for them. These figures form the basis for the National Attendance Tables and the attendance targets we are given.  

Holidays During Term Time 

The Government has highlighted the importance of school attendance to a child’s development and has required schools to set targets for improved attendance. Against this background, there is considerable concern at the increasing number of term-time holidays being taken by children at the request of their parents. The Head Teacher is not in a position to refuse permission to parents for such holidays but it is not the view of the Education Department that these holidays should be officially recognised as “authorised”. The Department recognises that some parents have difficulties in arranging their own holidays to suit school holiday periods and parents remain free, within reason, to remove their children for holidays during term-time. They should, however, appreciate that prolonged absence from school at any stage is harmful to a child’s education and it is not possible – nor fair to other children – to direct teaching time to assist a child who has been on holiday to catch up on what has been missed or to provide extra work. 

Withdrawal from school for medical attention or for other unavoidable reason

If possible, please send a note, or telephone, the day before the absence. Children must be collected from the school, so please go to the office, where your child will be waiting.