At Temple Meadow, we work hard to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where children can Belong, Nurture their gifts, Thrive, Discover and Grow into the very best versions of themselves. However, we can only achieve this when children are in school. Every day missed is a missed opportunity for learning, development and connection.

Our objective is to work alongside families to support excellent attendance and punctuality. Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child attends school regularly, and we are here to help if any barriers are making this difficult. Please do not hesitate to contact our Attendance Team if you are experiencing challenges with attendance or punctuality. 

DHT: Miss Dale		School Attendance Officer: Mrs Yates
Senior Pastoral Support Key Worker: Ms Daniels		School Administrative Officer: Mrs Jones

Attendance Expectations

• Every child of compulsory school age has the right to receive an education that is suitable to their age, ability and needs.
• It is the legal responsibility of parents and carers to ensure their child receives that education.
• Children are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time (please see below an outline of our key attendance times)

If your child's attendance becomes a concern, we have clear procedures in place to discuss this with you and provide appropriate support to help improve attendance. Please see our Attendance Policy for more information.

Absence Reporting

• Please report any changes to personal information including address or contact numbers, via the My Child at School App.
• You can also inform us of your child's absence by leaving a voicemail on our dedicated absence line.
• Please ensure absences are always reported, including the reason for absence.
• Please remember to report any new medical concerns.
• Please provide medical evidence when at all possible so that we are in a position to authorise absence and support your child.

The importance of good attendance cannot be overstated. By ensuring that your child attends school regularly and punctually, you are helping them to achieve their full potential, develop positive lifelong habits and make the most of every learning opportunity.

If there is anything you are struggling with that may be affecting attendance, please do get in touch. You can request a telephone call or meeting with me or a member of the Pastoral Team and we will do our best to help.

Attendance Family Support

At Temple Meadow, we understand that there are many different reasons for absence and/or lateness. Family life can be complicated. However, we are here to help. Whether it is a concern over illness, or support with behavioural issues, housing support, welfare benefits advice and/or anything else, we are happy to provide you with the details of organisations that can help.

Please click on the below logo's for more information:

Punctuality 

We understand that mornings can sometimes be challenging and that unexpected circumstances can occasionally disrupt routines. However, we ask all families to support us in maintaining a consistent approach to punctuality wherever possible.

Punctuality is also a key element of attendance. By arriving at school late, just 10 minutes each day, this equates to 6 days lost learning each year.

Holidays in term time

There is no automatic entitlement in law to time off in school time to go on holiday. Leave of absence shall not be granted unless the parents can prove exceptional circumstances. All applications must be made in writing at least 20 school days prior to the requested leave date. (Please see our Attendance Policy for details or ask at the school office).

Please remember that taking holidays in term time will affect your child’s schooling as much as any other absence. Unauthorised leave of absence will be referred to Sandwell MBC for consideration of a Fixed Penalty fine or further legal proceedings, in line with Government guidance.

Useful letters

Please see below a group of letters sent to families which you may find useful.