Attendance
If your son/daughter is absent for any reason, please follow this procedure:
Telephone the school on each day of absence before 8.30am, to explain why the student is not present. The number is 01707 321755, then press 1 on your handset.
Please also send a letter to the student’s tutor on the day he/she returns to school, explaining the reason for absence. This enables the school to formally authorise the absence in the register record.
Requests for Leave of Absence
Requests for leave of absence must be made, well in advance, to the school in writing. Permission for absence for anything other than illness will only be granted in exceptional circumstances such as a funeral of a close family member. This does not include family holidays, which the school will not authorise.
Unauthorised absence (truancy) is a very serious matter which undermines the progress of any student involved, and damages the school’s reputation. It is unacceptable and will be dealt with firmly.
Please try to make appointments during holidays or after school, except in emergencies. If your son/daughter has to leave school for an appointment, e.g. for hospital outpatients treatment, we require a letter which can be handed in at the school office. If your child has to attend an emergency appointment in the middle of the school day then please collect your child from reception and drop your child back at the reception. A note will not be sufficient and your child will not be allowed to leave school without being collected by an adult. Please ensure you escort your child back to reception on your return and sign in for your child. This is most important as we must know the whereabouts of all students for safeguarding purposes.
It is helpful if the student’s Tutor Group is quoted on all correspondence
e.g. James Robinson 7 Brocket Palmerston
Students with high attendance are rewarded with reward points and certificates. Students will not make good progress if they are not in school.
Severe Weather Procedure
In the event of severe weather being forecast please be aware of the following arrangements :
A decision about school closure will normally be taken by 6.30am and will be based on travel conditions in Welwyn Garden City and main staff travel routes.
An e-mail will be sent and a message will be posted on the school website and twitter to inform staff, students and parents of any decision.
