If children are not in school they cannot benefit from what we have to offer. It is very important that students attend regularly and punctually. Under normal circumstances every pupil should be able to attend school for more than 95% of the sessions. This means no more than 3 days off school in a term. We expect every pupil to attend all the time.

Pupils who regularly fail to attend school without good cause often fail to make a success of their later careers. At Bootle High, therefore, we take non-attendance very seriously. In addition to having an Educational Welfare Officer based on site whose job, amongst other things, is to follow-up unexplained absences, a designated teacher is also responsible for the monitoring of absence rates and the publication of general information related to attendance.

Please note that the Government defines acceptable reasons for absence to be the following only:-

• illness

• medical appointments (please let us know in advance to ensure a medical mark is given)

• special family circumstances (please let us know unavoidable holidays in advance. A form requesting permission for your child's leave of absence is available from the school office).

• or other reasons authorised by the school itself A maximum of two weeks holiday per year, provided permission has been granted in advance by Bootle High School. A Holiday Form is available for that purpose.

It is not acceptable for pupils to be absent for minor reasons such as a birthday or the buying of new clothes or 'minding the house'. Frequent absences devalues education in children's eyes and will also detrimentally affect your child's progress.

We would ask you to help by letting us know immediately your child is absent. If we have not heard from you it is likely we will contact you within hours to ensure you are aware of your child's non-attendance. This is purely a general check.

If a pupil is absent, a dated letter signed by the parents or guardian is required and should be sent to their Form Tutor. Please send this letter at the end of an absence even if you have previously contacted the school as this acts as a cross check and ensures accuracy of records. This letter will not be necessary in the event of a notified holiday or a pre-specified absence period. In the case of unexplained absence, it will be necessary for the Education Welfare Officer or Learning Mentor to call at the home.

Punctuality

All members of the school community are expected to arrive on time for the morning and afternoon sessions. Not only is punctuality a mark of courtesy and respect, but it is also a discipline which sets the tone for the day. First impressions really do count - and being on time is very much a first impression!