Attendance & Punctuality

BRANKSOME HEATH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dear Parent/Carers

We recently had a visit from the Borough of Poole Education Welfare Officer who closely monitors the attendance and lateness of pupils.

It was decided that we would start using a "traffic light system" method to monitor any attendance that falls below 90%, which means issuing a series of letters beginning with green, (letter of concern), amber, (request to attend a meeting), and red, (referral to Education Welfare Service). This will be implemented immediately.

Parents should ensure their children are in school for registration at 8.40am in order that our first session can start promptly. If a child is late they will need to sign in at the school office so the registers can be amended. If a child arrives between 8.45am and 9.05am they will be marked as late, however if a child arrives after 9.05am it will be recorded as an unauthorised late.

By law we have to record reasons for all absences such as illness, hospital treatment etc. A quick phone call on the first day of absence before 10.30am stating the reason for absence is required. If you do not contact the school, we are legally bound to contact you to establish the reason for absence. Should a valid response not be provided we will record this as an un authorised absence.

It is crucial that we have up to date contact details, so if any of your circumstances change, i.e. mobile, home, or work telephone numbers, please let us know as soon as possible.

As always the safety and wellbeing of your children is our priority.

Yours sincerely

Mr S Fox

Headteacher