At St. James', we strive to provide a welcoming, caring and exciting environment, whereby each member of the school community feels safe and ready to learn. We are committed to helping every child achieve their God-given potential, and we know that even missing a few days of school here and there can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing as well as academic achievement both now and in the future.

As a school, we aim to be very supportive and approachable and to work with children and parents to make sure that every child is in school. We give consideration to the individual circumstances and needs of every child, but we are bound by law to ensure that every pupil attends school and we know the difference being in school can make.

This page offers resources and guidance that demonstrate the importance of excellent attendance, explain our approach and signpost parents to sources of help.

Finding help:

We know that children can sometimes be unwell and, if you need to keep your child off school please send us a message on Arbor or phone the office before 9am each day. We are very good at managing sniffles and colds and feeling a little under the weather so please do send your child in if they are not too ill for school. If we are worried, we will always phone home.

You can find some guidance about what is 'too ill' on this NHS link.

NHS Too ill for school guidance

We know too that children sometimes have worries and anxiety about school. They can talk to any adult in school about their worries but we also offer specific pastoral support through:

• ELSA trained TAs
• Nurture sessions
• Class teachers
• Family support worker - Mrs K Leslie
• Worry boxes

and more.

If your child is suffering from anxiety, please talk to us and we will support them and you in making sure that school is a safe place for them to be. You might also find the following information helpful.

Ways to support a child or young person

Be there to listen

Regularly ask your child how they're doing, to help them get used to talking about their feelings, and know there's always someone there to listen. You can get tips on Young Minds: How to talk to your child about mental health.

Support them through difficulties

Pay attention to how your child is feeling or behaving and try to help them work through difficulties. It may not be easy facing challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they're feeling and why. Learn more from the Maudsley Charity on difficult behaviour.

Stay involved in their life

Show interest in their life and what's important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.

Encourage their interests

Support and encourage your child to explore their interests. Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team helps connect us and boost our mental wellbeing.

Take what they say seriously

Listening to and valuing what they say makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them work through their emotions in constructive ways. Anna Freud Centre's guide on ways to support children and young people has more on this.

Build positive routines

Try to have structure around regular routines, especially around healthy eating and exercise. A good night's sleep is also important, so have a fixed time for going to bed and getting up. The Sleep Charity has relaxation sleep tips for children.

Further resources can be found on the below link

Children's Commissioner - Resources for Families

Fines and term time holiday absence

In line with new guidance from the government and BCP, we can only authorise a requested absence in the most exceptional circumstances.

If you take your child out of school, BCP can give each parent a fine of £80, rising to £160 if you do not pay within 21 days.

From the 2024 to 2025 school year, each parent will only get up to 2 fines for the same child in a 3-year period.

If you get a second fine in 3 years it will be £160. If you do not pay the fine in 28 days you may be taken to court for keeping your child out of school.

If your child is off school 3 or more times within the 3 years you will not be fined but may be taken to court. This could result in a £2500 fine.

Check your local council’s rules on when you can be fined and how to pay a fine.

If you’re taken to court

You could get a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or a jail sentence up to 3 months. The court could also give you a Parenting Order.

Further information is in the letter below.

BCP Letter - Helping Parents Understand Fines for Term Time Holidays

Further information:

Attendance Matters - A Parents Guide (DCAT)

DfE - Guide for Parents on School Attendance (Aug24)