Attendance Policy

Bookpoint Springs Academy is committed to providing excellent education through which all pupils are able to progress, achieve and go on to succeed in life.

Our approach is underpinned by a sense of moral purpose and commitment to doing what is right for children.

Aims and Objectives
To improve the overall attendance and punctuality of students, the academy will: –

• Establish and maintain a high profile for attendance and punctuality
• Implement and maintain strategic ways to tackling lateness to school.
• Discuss attendance issues at relevant staff and parent meetings.
• Introduce a rewards system which praises good attendance and punctuality
• Conduct home visits of students whose attendance is deemed a concern.

Responsibility Teachers
Follow up cases of unauthorized absence Advise seniors of any underlying problems that may account for absence Ensure that students are registered accurately within the first 10 minutes of
the lesson starting.

Responsibility of Students
Aim for 100% attendance each academic year Attend school and all lessons on time.

Parental  Responsibility
Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time Supply explanatory letter on the first day of return with proof of absence e.g. the doctor’s letter.

Categories of Absence.

Illness
It is true that no offence is committed, if a student is prevented from attending the academy by illness. If the Academy is satisfied with the reason offered, then the absence must be treated as authorized. Alternatively, if there is doubt regarding the validity of the explanation following contact with parents, then the academy will treat the absence as unauthorized.

Students are not allowed to leave the school premises or sign out at any time without permission from the school administration fraternity and parents.

Medicines
If a student needs to take medicine at the academy they must bring a letter from their parents stating when it needs to be taken. All medicines must be clearly marked with the student’s name on and taken to the office. 

Looking after children.
This lies with the discretion of the academy. Only in exceptional circumstances such as serious illness and where there is no other adult available should the absence be authorized.

Special Occasions.
Only in exceptional circumstances should these be authorized. Absent for  birthday celebrations would NOT be such an example and would not be granted. The graduation of a brother or sister or the burial of a close family member may be treated as an authorized absence.

Days of Religious Observance
Absence for religious observation by the religious body to which the parent belongs is to be treated as authorized.

Off Site Activities.
Where these are academy directed e.g. educational visits or sporting activities they will constitute an authorized absence.

Study Leave (Staff).
The academy does not allow study leave during school term time and when class examination is in progress. Only in exceptional circumstances may this be granted.