Leyland Methodist Schools 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.
It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to ensure that their children are regular and punctual attendees and to:
- Contact school on the 1st day of absence no later than 9:15am
- Keep all contact numbers up to date
- Attend meetings in school
- Provide proof of medical appointments, if the reason for absence is given as illness
- Avoid any leave in term time – this includes any holidays which should be discussed with the school prior to the holiday being booked, as if it does not meet the criteria, it may lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice
- Participate in support and interventions offered by school or other agencies if it is deemed necessary.
It is the responsibility of pupils to:
- Attend school and be on time
- Talk to a parent/Carer/teacher or other trusted adult if issues arise that may affect school attendance
It is the responsibility of the school to encourage good habits of attendance and punctuality by:
- Staff setting good personal examples
- Adopting a positive attitude to children who are regular and punctual attendees
- Monitoring attendance by completion of registers
- Initiate the use of first day response call when children are not in school in time for registration
- Following up absences with requests for letters of explanation from parents
- Following up unexplained lateness
- Involving parents/carers in meetings
- Supporting any gaps in learning that can be addressed
- Involving the Pupil Attendance Support Team when appropriate
- Referrals to Children Missing in Education when appropriate
Leave of Absence
Absence during term time should be avoided and a leave of absence will only be granted if the circumstances are considered exceptional by the Executive Headteacher.
To request a leave of absence for your child from school it must be submitted via the LCC Leave of Absence Application form below.
Forms must be submitted with as much notice as possible and prior to the absence. A letter will then be sent home via your child confirming whether the absence will be authorised or not.
Medical Appointments
For any medical appointments you are not required to provide a leave of absence, however please provide to the office either a copy of your letter, appointment card or a text message prior to the appointment. This must be provided on collection of your child from the school office.
Late Procedure/Signing In or Out your Child
In the school reception we have a computerised system for signing in/out your child. If your child is late in the morning parent/guardians must sign the child in as under 18's are not permitted to use the device.
Illness
If your child is absent from school please inform the school office before 9am, by phone or via the Xpressions App. Please state the full reason for absence and if any medical appointments have been booked. For clarification with regards to sickness and diarrhoea, the school policy is that they do not return to school for 48 hr from the last episode.
If your child contracts any infectious or contagious illness, please notify the school immediately on office@lmjs.lancs.sch.uk
Is my child too ill for school?
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they're unwell.
There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn't.
Please see: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
For the most recent advice on periods of absence.
If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.