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Attendance You are probably aware of the government drive to improve attendance at school based on the fact that children who miss school do not achieve as well as those with good attendance records. Obviously children who are poorly would not be expected to attend and those with long term illnesses would have additional support at home or in hospital. The main aim of this initiative is to discourage holidays during term time and unnecessary absence or truancy from school. It is proposed that the LEA will issue fines in certain circumstances. From September all schools need to report their absence figures to the LEA on a termly basis instead of once a year. Last year our authorised absence for the year was 3.8% - about average. Last term that percentage had increased to 6.6%! We appreciate that hospital appointments may be difficult to arrange outside of school hours but we would ask that if at all possible absence during term time be kept to a minimum. It is necessary to ask for permission in advance for absence unless it is through illness in which case we would appreciate it if you would contact school before 9am in the morning. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Reports In the past parents' evenings have been arranged in the Autumn Term and in the Summer Term following the issue of a full progress report. We have decided from next year (2005/2006) to change this arrangement. We feel it is important that you have a progress report every term, with clear targets for us all to work on. We will hold Parents Evenings in the Autumn and Spring terms, and then a full report will be issued in summer. IEP reviews for children with Special Needs will still be termly. However we do have an open door policy in school and would hope that if you should have any concerns regarding your child that you would call in or contact us immediately. Hindu Week As part of our R.E. curriculum we organise a week of activities based around an alternative religion. We shall be running Hindu - based workshops on Tuesday 22nd February in the afternoon. Any parent volunteers would be welcomed. School Association Cafe for Parents The next cafe will take place on Thursday 27th January at 3.l5pm. Please call in for a cup of tea and a biscuit. Cafes will also take place on Thursday February and Thursday 10th March. We are hoping to invite the School Nurse, Mrs Tuppling to attend one of these. Emergency Information Forms & Photo Consents Last year we sent out new forms with every child for parents to update their emergency contact details and medical information. In addition new forms requesting permission to use your child's photograph were also issued. We are still waiting for about 20 of each to be returned! This information is really important so please return any outstanding forms as soon as possible to Mrs Dent. Sex and Relationship Policy Consultation Thank you for your comments regarding this policy. One parent mentioned that they would like to have some very basic information included on contraception and Sexually Transmitted Disease in the Year 6 Sex Education programme. This was felt to be a valid point and has since been included in the policy and teaching materials in a very simplistic way. The video, which is used by the School Nurse in the summer term, is now available in school for any parents who wish to see it. |