Linlithgow Academy is committed to working with our parents and young people to ensure that, wherever possible, all children receive an education that maximises the opportunity for every child to achieve their full potential.
Linlithgow Academy will positively work with pupils and families to ensure that each pupil attends regularly and punctually.
Good attendance and engagement are linked to higher levels of participation, attainment and ultimately future opportunities. The impact of non-attendance and non-engagement significantly increases gaps in knowledge and understanding and the likelihood of young people leaving school without securing a positive destination. For some, life presents particular challenges which may impact negatively on attendance and engagement. Attendance at school therefore requires to be approached within the wider Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach, considering the holistic needs of the child/young person.
Attendance at school is important to enable children and young people to fulfil their potential and for them to have the best possible start in life.
Absence from school, whatever the cause disrupts learning and impacts negatively on the life chances of our young people. Linlithgow Academy follows West Lothian Council's Attendance Policy which recognises the need for all students to engage fully in their education and promotes attendance through a positive and supportive approach.
Parents/carers should inform the school as soon as possible on the first day of their son/daughter's absence. If possible an estimate of the likely length of the absence should be given. If the school is not contacted then a Group Call will be sent. Parents/carers will be responsible for providing and updating contact telephone numbers for use by the Group Call system. Parents/carers should respond promptly to contacts from the school. Follow up phone calls will be made if there is no response to Group Call messages.
Please communicate with the Pastoral Support Team at the school if there are any concerns regarding your child's attendance or time keeping or if you are experiencing problems getting them to attend.
The aim of our school attendance procedures are to:
• make good attendance and punctuality a priority for all those associated with our school including parents, children, teachers and support staff and partner agencies enabling all our children to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors;
• ensure consistency in dealing with all issues of attendance and absence;
• ensure the accurate recording of pupils' attendance and absence in accordance with Scottish Government guidance.
Some of your Attendance related questions are answered below
Why is school attendance so important?
Attendance at school is important to allow your child to have the best possible start in life. Below are just some of the key reasons why it is so important children attend school: • To learn • To have fun and make new friends • To understand responsibility • To experience new things in life • To develop awareness of other cultures, religions, and gender difference • To achieve • To gain qualifications • To develop new skills • To build confidence and self-esteem • To grow as individuals
Is it ever alright for my child to be off school?
Your child can be off school if: • They are ill • They are attending a doctor or hospital appointment • They are going to a meeting about a Children's Hearing or court, or if they are going to a Children's Hearing, case review or court • If they are involved in an activity and the school agrees in advance • Someone close to your child has died • There is a crisis or serious difficulty at home or in your family • They are going to a religious ceremony or a wedding of someone very close to them • You are a Gypsy/Traveller family and while you go travelling you keep in touch with your child's teacher • Your family is returning to a country of origin for cultural reasons or to care for a relative. As long as you have informed the school of the reason why your child is off, and the school is satisfied that this is a valid reason, these would be called authorised absences.
Source: 'A guide for parents about school attendance' Smarter Scotland Scottish Government.
What can you do to help?
Be aware of the impact of regular absences - missing school is missing out. • Take family holidays outside term time. • Try to arrange non-urgent dental and medical appointments outside school hours. • Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead; build-up good habits of punctuality and attendance. • Be involved with your child's education and school - ask questions. • Inform the school if your child is absent due to illness or other reason. • Discuss any problems or difficulties with the school, staff are there to help and will be supportive.
What if my child is anxious or worried about going to school?
Your child has a right to an education and to be safe and happy at school. But sometimes children and young people can be anxious or worried about going to school due to many possible reasons. • You may feel letting your child stay off school is an effective option, but unfortunately, this will not help find a solution. It's important to talk to the school if this kind of problem arises. • Your first point of contact should be the school. However there are also a number of agencies and services that can provide you with professional help and advice.
What is an unauthorised absence from school?
An unauthorised absence is when your child is absent from school and there has been no valid reason given as to why. For example: • When a parent feels there is a satisfactory reason why their child should not attend school e.g. to take part in a family related activity • Family holidays during term time • Absence relating to substance and alcohol misuse • Absences related to issues in school
Support Information and Advice
ParentLine Scotland ParentLine Scotland is the free, confidential, telephone helpline for anyone caring for a child in Scotland. You can call about any problem, however big or small. Phone: 0808 800 2222 www.children1st.org.uk/parentline-scotland
Parentzone Parentzone provides information for parents and cares about how you can support your child's education. On line at: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone
Citizen Advice Bureau Your local CAB can provide information and support about rights and responsibilities when it comes to schools and education.Information and advice on lots of areas at: www.adviceguide. org.uk where you can also find your local CAB.
Childline Children and young people can get confidential help about any question, concern or worry. Phone: 08001111 www.childline.org.uk
Enquire Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning and operates a helpline for parents, carers and practitioners. An interpreter can be arranged upon request. Phone: 0845 123 2303 E-mail: info@enquire.org.uk www.enquire.org.uk
National Parent Forum of Scotland Provides parents with information and advice on understanding the new curriculum and supporting
