Hunmanby Primary School seeks to ensure that all their students receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each student to realise his/her full potential. For students to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and punctually. Any absence causes disruption to learning and should be avoided if at all possible. Improving attendance at Hunmanby Primary School is the responsibility of everyone in our community – students, parents, governors and staff.
Holidays
The Department For Education’s policy is that holidays in term time will not be authorised. Unauthorised absence of 5 days or more will be referred to North Yorkshire County Council. A referral may result in North Yorkshire County Council issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Exceptional Leave
The school recognises that there may be times when a student requires exceptional leave during term time for short periods of time. In these circumstances parents are asked to complete the ‘Leave of Absence Form’ to request the absence. These requests will be considered by the Headteacher on an individual basis.
Leave of Absence will not be authorised during examination periods (the months of May and June).
Appeal – Exceptional Leave
The decision of the Headteacher is final. However, if you feel that your application for exceptional leave has been unfairly reviewed or that the policy outlined has not been followed you may appeal in writing to the Director of Schools outlining your case. Please note the Director of Schools will not re-hear or re-consider the original application for exceptional leave but will, if required, ensure the Headteacher has reviewed the application according to policy and in a fair and unbiased manner.
Procedures for following up absence/lateness
If a student is absent and no reason has been provided the school will contact parents and/or nominated emergency contacts, as part of the safeguarding procedure.
When a student is persistently late or absent without good reason and the School’s efforts to effect change have been unsuccessful a referral may be made to our Education Welfare Officer for further action.
Further information regarding attendance and requests for absence can be found in our Attendance Policy below.