Children should be in school all day, every day. 

At Oakridge School, we believe that children should be in school all day, every day and we will work with our families as closely as possible to help that happen.  We recognise that positive behaviour and good attendance are essential in order for pupils to get the most of their school experience including their attainment, wellbeing and wider life chances.

We believe in developing good patterns of attendance and set high expectations for the attendance and punctuality for all our pupils from the outset.  It is a central part of our school’s vision, values, ethos and day to day life. 

It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child/ren receives their education either by attendance at a school or by education other than at a school.

The times of the start and close of the school day for all pupils at Oakridge School are:

      Gates open: 8.30am

      End of the school day: 3.20pm

Absence Procedures

It is the parent(s) responsibility to contact the school each day their child/ren are off. 

Parent(s) must contact the attendance officer to explain why their child is absent.  This must be done each day they are absent. 

Name: Debbie Williams      Email: attendance@oakridge.bucks.sch.uk      Telephone:  01494 520341 (option 1)

If we haven’t heard from parents, and are unable to make contact by telephone, we will telephone emergency contact numbers, and a home visit may be made, in the interests of our safeguarding duty.

If your child is absent for 4 days in a row (even if you have informed us), we will do a home visit to see your child in the interests of our safeguarding duty. 

It is rare that a child is too unwell to go to school.  Most children feel better once they're in and with their friends.  However, we do understand that children do sometimes need to be at home when they're too poorly for school  The guidance from the NHS may be useful - link.

Poor punctuality is not acceptable and can sometimes lead to irregular school attendance patterns. Good time-keeping is a vital life skill which will help children as they progress through their school life and out into the wider world.

If a child becomes persistently absent (under 90% attendance), or is persistently late into school, the school will contact parent(s) to discuss any obstacles to their child(ren) attending school and / or their punctuality, and will liaise with external agencies for advice as appropriate.  

Holidays during term time will NOT be authorised.  Absences in other circumstances are unlikely to be authorised but will be considered on a case by case basis.  

Unauthorised absences for 10 sessions (5 days, morning & afternoon) within a rolling 10 school week period, will receive a fine.  Penalty notices will be issued to each parent (for each child) for £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days (for the first offence). A second Penalty Notice issued within a three year period will result in a fine of £160 per parent, per child.

Religious observance / festivals will have one day authorised, and no more than three days in total in any academic year. 

Appointments - Routine appointments (such as dentist / GP check ups) should be taken outside school hours whenever possible for example, in school holidays, after school etc.