At St Thomas’ Leesfield we believe that good attendance is vital for all our pupils if they are to gain the most from the education we provide. There are clear documented links between regular attendance and attainment . Parents/carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends regularly and punctually.
We take your child’s attendance in school very seriously. An attendance officer from the Local Authority regularly comes into school to assess all children’s attendance. We aim for 96% attendance for all.
The length of St Thomas' School week is 32 hours and 30 minutes.
Please see our Attendance Policy
Please see our Holiday Calendars
Government Guidelines on School Attendance and Absence
Please click on the picture link to access the website.
Is my child too ill for school?
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school or nursery 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.
Our School Day
The school day starts at 8.50am and ends at 3.20pm.
Morning Break is 10.30am – 10.45am (Years 2 - 3)
Morning Break is 10.45am - 11.00am ( Years 4 - 6)
Reception and Year 1 have continuous outdoor provision and an afternoon break 2.00pm.
Early Years & Year 1: 8:50am – 11:30am
12:30pm – 3:20pm
Years 2 - 6: 8:50am – 12:00 noon
1:00pm – 3:20pm
Every School Day Counts
Don't miss out on the education you deserve!
There are 175 non-school days during the year to spend family time, visits, holidays, shopping, household jobs and other appointments. Days off school add up to lost learning.
Punctuality and Illness
Parents are asked to telephone school before 9:15am to report their child’s absence. We have an answer machine service that is operational from 8:30am. Should the school not receive a phone call by 9.15am on the first day of absence, a reminder text will be sent. Failure to give a reason will result in a recorded unauthorised absence.
All children are expected to be on time for the school day and it is the parents' responsibility to ensure that the child arrives on time, properly attired and in a condition to learn. If your child is late for school they need to report to the school office before going into class.
Showing up on time to school every day helps our children develop the habit of being punctual, illustrates to them your commitment to their learning and friendships, and helps reduce classroom interruptions and distractions for all pupils. Remember: In the line for 10 to 9!
Holidays During Term Time
The Department of Education (DfE) has amended their policy regarding holiday requests during term time.
The law gives no entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday in term time. It makes it clear that Headteachers may not grant any holidays or other absences during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Parents can receive a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday in term time without the consent of school.
If you need to notify school of an absence in term time, please complete the form below. School will not authorise any absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please also note, school will not contact you regarding your submission, other than to discuss exceptional circumstances.
Whilst it is appreciated the financial difficulties that some parents face when booking holidays, particularly during school holidays, children absent in term time miss learning and need to catch up on missed work. This poses a potential risk of under achievement.
Penalty Notices from September 2024
First Offence - The first time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be £80 per parent,per child paid within 21 days. This increases to £160 per parent, per child if paid after day 21 until day 28. Any non -payment of the Penalty Notice may be referred to the Magistrates Court.
Second Offence - (within 3 years) - The second time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. Any non-payment of the Penalty Notice may be referred to the Magistrates Court.
Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years) - The third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued, and the case may be presented straight to the Magistrates Court under the S.444 of the Education Act (1996) or other legal interventions considered. The Magistrate Court can order fines up to £2500 per parent, per child.
Please see the letter from Oldham Council below for further clarification.
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Attendance Penalty Notice Fact Sheet | [pdf 279KB] |
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Notice of Absence Form
Please print off the form below if you would rather complete a paper copy and return to the School Office.
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Notice of Absence in Term Time Form September 2023 | [pdf 41KB] |
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Winter Weather Conditions – School Closure
In the case of poor weather conditions, a decision on whether to close school will be made as soon as possible. We always try to stay open to support our working parents and carers.
Please see instructions below for what to do in the event of snow.
School Website
There will be an alert on the school website home page.
Text Message
A text will be sent to notify you. Please ensure you notify us if you change your number.
Oldham Council Website
Click on the link below to access the Oldham Council website for the latest and most
accurate information about school closures and other services affected by the
adverse weather.
http://apps1.oldham.gov.uk/SchoolClosures/Schools.aspx
Local Radio
Listen to local radio for updates.