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Attendance (Pupil) Policy

Spring Lane School

PUPIL ATTENDANCE POLICY2019-2020

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Spring Lane School Mission Statement@ Spring Lane School

We support young people to:Grow, aspire and achieve

We do this through a system of shared values and beliefs where we: Provide a nurturing environment where young people feel safe, respected and

valued. Place young people and their families and carers at the centre of their

learning journeys. Provide a broad range of opportunities, allowing pupils to progress

academically, socially and emotionally. Allow young people to meet challenges and develop emotional resilience. Enable young people to take responsibility for their choices through an open,

fair and consistent approach, which all share. Advise and guide young people, supporting their transition to young

adulthood. Recognise everyone as individuals, celebrating difference and diversity. Promote a positive self-image amongst our pupils, developing self-confidence

and independence. Provide positive role-models, demonstrating respect, tolerance, empathy and

high standards of professional practice and behaviour. Support and valuing each other, respecting each other’s contributions as

important members of the team. Promote robust safeguarding policies and procedures and work

with other agencies to ensure the welfare and well-being of all.

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Contents

Spring Lane Mission Statement

1. Statement of Intent2. Legal framework3. Definitions4. Key Roles and Responsibilities5. School Attendance Targets and Monitoring6. Punctuality7. Pupil Contact Information8. Attendance Register9. Categorisation10. Absence Procedures11. Frequent Absence and Onward Referral to Support Services12. Holidays in Term Time13. Religious Observances14. Appointments15. Young Carers16. Rewarding Good Attendance

Appendices

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1. Statement of Intent

Spring Lane School believes that in order to facilitate teaching and learning, good attendance is essential. Pupils cannot achieve their full potential if they do not regularly attend school.

We are committed to:-

Promoting and modelling good attendance Ensuring equality and fairness of treatment for all Intervening early and working with other agencies to ensure the health and safety of our

pupils Rewarding regular attendance Following the framework set in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 which states that:

“The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full time education suitable:-

(a) to age, ability and aptitude and(b) to any special educational needs he/she may have

Either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

Spring Lane School is committed to providing a full and efficient education to all pupils and embraces the concept of equal opportunities for all.

We will endeavour to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued and welcome.

For a child to reach their full educational achievement a high level of school attendance is essential. We will consistently work towards a goal of 100% attendance for all children. Every opportunity will be used to convey to pupils and their parents or carers the importance of regular and punctual attendance.

School attendance is subject to various Education laws and this school attendance policy is written to reflect these laws and the guidance produced by the Department for Education.

Each year we will examine our attendance figures and set attendance/absence targets. These will reflect both national and Bury attendance targets. This policy will contain within it the procedures that we will use to meet our attendance targets.

Spring Lane School will review its systems for improving attendance at regular intervals to ensure that we continually strive to achieve our goals.

Signed by:

T. Gledhill Headteacher Date: 9th October 2017 and September 2019

I. Chambers Chair of Governors Date: 9th October 2017

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2. Legal Framework

This policy has due regard to the following legislation and guidance, including but not limited to:-

The Education Act 1996 - The legislation appertains to children who are of compulsory school age and are registered at school is contained within the Education Act. Part V1 Section 444 contains the details of when an offence is committed if a child fails to attend school.

The Equality Act 2010 The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 governs the legal

requirements for Registering and Admission Roll keeping. DfE School Attendance Advice 2014

All staff must ensure they adhere to and implement the requirements of any equality legislation.

3. Definitions

Spring Lane School defines “absence” as either:-

Arrival at school after the register has closed Not attending school for any reason

Spring Lane School defines an “authorised absence” as:-

An absence for sickness for which the school has granted leave Medical or dental appointments which unavoidably fall during school time for which the

school has granted leave Religious or cultural observances for which the school has granted leave An absence due to a family emergency

Spring Lane School defines and “unauthorised absence” as:-

Parents/Carers keeping children away from school unnecessarily or without reason Truancy before or during the school day Absences which have not been properly explained Arrival at school after the register has closed Shopping, looking after other children or birthdays Day trips and holidays in term time which have not been agreed Leaving school for no reason during the day

Spring Lane School defines “persistent absenteeism (PA)” as:-

Missing 10 per cent or more of schooling across the year for any reason, 90 per cent or less attendance.

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Spring Lane School defines “parent” for educational purposes when used to include those that have parental responsibility and/or those that have day to day care of the child.

4. Key Roles and Responsibilities

a) The Governing Body has overall responsibility for the implementation of the attendance policy and procedures of Spring Lane School.

b) The Governing Body has overall responsibility for ensuring that the attendance policy, as written, does not discriminate on any grounds, including but not limited to ethnicity/national origin, culture, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

c) The Governing Body has responsibility for handling complaints regarding this policy as outlined in the school’s complaints policy.

d) The Headteacher will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and management of the attendance policy and procedures of Spring Lane School.

e) Staff, including teachers, support staff and volunteers will be responsible for following the attendance policy and for ensuring pupils do so too. They will also be responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented fairly and consistently.

f) Staff including teachers, support staff and volunteers will be responsible for modelling good attendance behaviour and implementing the agreed policy.

g) Designated members of staff will take the attendance register at the start of each school day and inform the office if anyone leaves site for any reason after that time.

h) The school will ensure that every pupil has access to full-time education and will act as early as possible to address patterns of absence.

i) The school will inform the LA of any pupil being deleted from the admission and attendance registers if they:

Are being educated from home No longer live within a reasonable distance of the registered school Have an authorised medical note Are in custody for a period of more than four months and the proprietor does not

reasonably believe they will be returning Have been permanently excluded.

j) Spring Lane School will inform the LA of any pupil who fails to attend school regularly or has an unauthorised absence for a period of 10 days or more.

k) Parents and carers will be expected to take responsibility for the attendance of their child/children during term-time.

l) Parents and carers will be expected to promote good attendance and ensure that pupils attend school every day.

m) Pupils are responsible for their own attendance at school and any agreed activities throughout the school year.

n) All pupils are responsible for their punctuality to lessons.

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5. School Attendance Targets and Monitoring

Spring Lane School has set its attendance target for 2019-2020 at no less than 90% attendance across our Spring Lane School sites. 90% in individual exceptional circumstances may be varied to read 90% or a significant increase in prior attendance as agreed at induction. If this agreement is put in place a letter stating this will be sent out to parents/carers for that individual student which specifically shows the level of improvement expected and in what time frame.

Spring Lane School monitors attendance and punctuality throughout the year as set out in this policy.

6. Punctuality

a) Morning registration will take place at 9.15am. The registers will remain open for 30 minutes. Any pupil arriving after this time will be marked as having an unauthorised absence unless there is an acceptable explanation i.e. transport was delayed. In cases for example, where the absence at registration was for attending an early morning medical appointment, the appropriate authorised absence code will be entered.

b) Pupils who are consistently late are disrupting not only their own education, but also that of others. Where persistent lateness gives cause for concern, a meeting with the appropriate member of staff will be arranged to discuss what support can be offered.

c) Pupils arriving after the start of school but before the end of the registration period will be treated for statistical purposes, as present, but will be coded as late before registers close.

7. Pupil Contact Information

a) Parents/Carers must provide accurate and up-to-date contact details b) Parents/Carers are responsible for updating the school if details change

8. Attendance Register

a) Spring Lane School will use an electronic computerised system (Integris) for keeping the school attendance records. Daily attendance is collated and collected in various ways across our sites either by our own staff or information from our various partner educational providers. The information is then transferred to Integris and either a copy of the paper register is completed or if a paper register is not used a weekly printout of the attendance is filed and stored on site.

b) Entries in paper registers must be in ink. All corrections must be visible (no correcting fluid).

c) Registers by law must be kept for at least 3 years. Spring Lane School will have attendance available on Integris and will also at the end of each year print off a paper copy to be kept for 3 years.

d) Spring Lane School will use the following National Attendance Codes to enable the school to record and monitor attendance and absence in a consistent way.

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NATIONAL ATTENDANCE CODESCODE DESCRIPTION MEANING/ Present (AM) Present\ Present (PM) PresentB Educated off site (NOT Dual

registration)Approved Education Activity

C Other Authorised Circumstances (not covered by another appropriate code/description)

Authorised absence

D Dual registration (i.e. pupil attending other establishment)

Approved Education Activity

E Excluded (no alternative provision made)

Authorised absence

F Extended family holiday (agreed) Authorised absenceG Family holiday (NOT agreed or days in

excess of agreement)Unauthorised absence

H Family holiday (agreed) Authorised absenceI Illness (NOT medical or dental etc.

appointments)Authorised absence

J Interview Approved Education ActivityL Late (before registers closed) PresentM Medical/Dental appointments Authorised absenceN No reason yet provided for absence Unauthorised absenceO Unauthorised absence (not covered

by any other code/description)Unauthorised absence

P Approved sporting activity Approved Education ActivityR Religious observance Authorised absenceS Study leave Authorised absenceT Traveller absence Authorised absenceU Late (after registers closed) Unauthorised absenceV Educational visit or trip Approved Education ActivityW Work experience Approved Education ActivityX Untimetabled sessions for non-

compulsory school-age pupilsNot counted in possible attendances – Admin codes

Y Enforced closure Not counted in possible attendances – Admin codes

Z Pupil not yet on roll Not counted in possible attendances – Admin codes

# School closed to pupils Not counted in possible attendances – Admin codes

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9. Categorisation of Absence

Any pupil who is on roll but not present in school must be recorded within one of these categories:-a) Unauthorised Absence – This is for those pupils where no reason has been provided, or whose

absence is deemed to be without valid reason.b) Authorised Absence – This is for those pupils who are away from school for a reason that is

deemed to be valid under the Education Act 1996.c) Approved Educational Activity – This covers types of supervised educational activity

undertaken off site but with the approval of the school.Note pupils recorded in this category are deemed to be present for attendance returns purposes. This would include:-

Work experience placements Field trips and educational visits Sporting activities Link courses or approved education off site Most types of dual registration

10. Absence Procedures

a) Parents/carers must contact the school as soon as possible on the first day of any absenceb) Parents/carers must send a note on the first day their child returns with a signed explanation

as to why they were absent. This must be done even if we have already received a phone call. Medical evidence may be requested if a child is absent from school regularly and the reason provided is illness.

c) Alternatively, parents/carers may call into school and report to the school office where arrangements will be made to speak to a member of staff.

d) A phone call/text message/email will be made to the parent/carer of any child who has not reported their absence on the first day that they do not attend school.

e) The school will always follow up absences in order to Ascertain the reason for the absence Ensure the proper safeguarding action is being taken Identify whether the absence is authorised or not Identify the correct code to enter the data onto the School Census In the case of persistent absence, arrangements will be made for the parents to speak to

the Unit Manager, Form Teacher and or the Education Welfare Officer. If pupil attendance drops below 90% the Education Welfare Officer will be informed at

their regular meetings with the Unit Managers.

Where school is unable to make contact the absence will remain unauthorised until an explanation has been provided to school by the parent/carer. If there is no explanation received within 1 week the absence will remain unauthorised.

Regular register checks are carried out by the Education Welfare Officer and Unit Managers. If attendance becomes a cause for concern then the school will write to parents/carers, informing

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them of concerns and requesting medical evidence to support further absences. If there is no significant improvement in attendance, school will invite parents/carers to a meeting to discuss concerns and strategies to improve attendance. Attendance will then be monitored closely by the school and if there is no improvement then school will make a referral to the EWO. The School Attendance Team has the power to issue sanctions such as prosecutions or Penalty Notices. In summary:

Initial letter of concern – attendance drops to 92% or 3 unauthorised absences within the first half-term will be sent by School. See APPENDICES 2a and 2b

Invite parents/carers to a meeting – attendance drops to 85% or 5 unauthorised absences within the first half-term – letter sent by school. See APPENDIX 3

Referral to EWO - attendance drops to 80% or 10 unauthorised absences within the first half-term – letter sent by school. See APPENDIX 4

On pupil induction, three contact numbers of direct family members are required to ensure that we are able to communicate. In the event of a pupil absence, phone calls are made to parents, guardians and carers between 9.00am - 9.30am to check that the pupil is on their way to school. If contact cannot be made after the three main numbers have been tried, a text has been sent and we have not received a response - action is then taken. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact us at the first instance if they need to report their child's absence due to illness or if their child is going to be late in school that day.

The procedures are as follows:

The member(s) of staff that are designated to make phone calls, alerts the person responsible for monitoring attendance at that unit;

Carol Lythgow or Angela Ball (Spring Lane Radcliffe)

Chris Maines (MTH)

Hazel Boardman (PH)

*Or in their absence - T. Gledhill/ K. Valentine

The designated person will then alert our EWO to why the pupil is are absent on that day and have a conversation with the designated person(s) on that site who is responsible for safeguarding. A conversation will then take place between the DSO and the EWO to identify any risks and decide on a plan of action. The action will be dependent on the pupil's level of need:

If the pupil is subject to a Child Protection Plan;

If the pupil is subject to a CP plan, and no contact is made with the parent - 1 hour after the expected time of arrival, a work request to the EWO will be made and a home visit will be conducted that day, where possible. The EWO will feedback to the DSO with the findings from the home visit and either the EWO or the DSO will alert the absence and findings to the allocated social worker. If the EWO is unable to conduct the home visit on that day - a member of staff will be assigned to conduct the home visit. A contact card (that requests parental contact) will be

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dropped off at the child's home address every day for 3 consecutive days and if contact with the parent is still not obtained - the Police will be contacted and a welfare check will be strongly encouraged.

If the child is on a Child in Need plan;

As above, normal procedures will be followed of trying to obtain contact with the parent(s). If no contact is made after the 1 day of absence and on that day in question, the DSO and the EWO will have a discussion and identify any risks. The allocated social worker will be informed and a decision will be made to how soon a home visit is required. If a home visit is required on the 2nd day of absence - a work request will be made and a home visit will be conducted. If the EWO is unable to conduct the home visit on that day - a member of staff will be assigned to conduct the home visit. A contact card (that requests parental contact) will be dropped off at the child's home address every day for 3 consecutive days and if contact with the parent is still not obtained - the allocated social worker will be informed and a risk assessment will take place. If no contact has been obtained there will be a consideration of informing the Police.

If the child is open to a Team Around the Family episode or at Universal Services level;

Daily phone calls will be made by the designated person(s) and the person responsible for attendance will be informed. The EWO and the DSO will then be informed and a decision will be made regarding 'next steps'. If contact with the parent is not obtained after the 3rd day of absence - a work request will be made to the EWO and a home visit will be made thereafter.

If either the DSO/ SAO or person responsible for attendance has further concerns about the welfare of a pupil or has identified a risk - a consultation with MASH will take place and usual reporting procedures will be followed.

11. Frequent Absence and Onward referral to Support Services

It is the responsibility of the EWO to be aware of and bring attention to, any emerging attendance concerns. In cases where a pupil begins to develop a pattern of absences, the school will try to resolve the problem with the parents/carers. If this is unsuccessful the school may refer to the School Health Adviser / School Nurse etc, if the problem appears to be a medical one. In other cases the school will seek advice from the Education Welfare Officer.

If an emergency attendance issue is identified, this will be discussed with the EWO. The EWO visits the school on a regular basis to address any attendance issues and school procedures will be followed. The school and EWO will pass on details of the action that they have taken.

Identified pupils with Special Educational Needs or specific medical needs who have a high level of absence will be supported by the following strategies:-

Weekly monitoring of attendance and absence Provide home visits where appropriate

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Recognise that some pupils are not “available for learning” and work with the LA and other agencies to allocate appropriate provision which may not be within our school.

It is important that on return from an absence that all pupils are made to feel welcome. This should include ensuring that the pupil is helped to catch up on missed work and brought up to date on any information that has been passed to the other pupils.

Notes received from parent/carers explaining absence should be kept for the remainder of the academic year. If there are attendance concerns about the pupil, that may require further investigation, then the notes may need to be retained for a longer period.

Spring Lane School will use opportunities as they arise to remind parents/carers, that it is their responsibility to ensure that their children receive their education.

The Home/School agreement can be used in this way. See APPENDIX 1.

12. Holidays in Term Time

a) At Spring Lane School, our aim is to prepare pupils for their future lives and careers. With this in mind, we require parents/carers to observe the school holidays as prescribed.b) Following the September 2013 amendment to The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, Headteachers no longer have the discretion to authorise holidays during term time.

Leave during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances, for example: Bereavement or serious illness

Parent/carer in Armed Forces or Fire Service. This is due to the constraints of Annual Leave The family have undergone a difficult period/transition in recent months i.e. the

parent/carer or child may have been suffering from a serious illness from which they have recently recovered

A request due to the pupil’s ongoing health/medical needs or the need for specialist accommodation.c) Parents/Carers are required to write to school requesting the absence from school and provide the dates of the absence. School will then write to parents/carers informing them that the absence will be unauthorised and that they may be liable to a Penalty Notice of £60 per parent per child, to be paid within 21 days. After 21 days and up to 28 days the fine increases to £120 per parent per child.

13. Religious Observances

Spring Lane School will take advice from local religious leaders of all faiths and The Local Authority to establish the appropriate number of days required for religious festivals.Parents must inform the school in advance if absences are required for days of religious observance. The day(s) of absence must be exclusively set apart for religious observance by the religious body to which the pupil’s parents/carers belong.

14. Appointments

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As far as possible, parents/carers should attempt to book medical and dental appointments outside of school hours. Where this is not possible a note and appointment card should be sent into school. If the appointment requires the pupil to leave during the school day, the pupil should be signed out by a parent/carer or at the very least the parent/carer should inform school in advance. Pupils must attend school before and after the appointment wherever possible.

15. Young Carers

Spring Lane School understands the difficulties young carers face and will endeavour to identify young carers at the earliest opportunity from enrolment at the school, as well as throughout their time at the school.

Spring Lane School takes a caring and flexible approach to the needs of young carers and each situation will be examined on a case-by-case basis, involving other agencies if appropriate.

16. Rewarding Good Attendance

Good attendance will be rewarded in the following ways:-Praise and encouragementReward points – enabling pupils to redeem them for a variety of itemsSchool trips and events_____________________________________________________________________________Reviewed by T. GledhillOctober 2017Amended September 2019

Agreed and Ratified by Board of GovernorsSigned: Ian Chambers Chair of Governors Date: 09.10.2017

APPENDIX 1

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PARENT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTThe Student Agreement

1. I will make every effort to attend Spring Lane 100% of the time2. I will arrive on time and in the correct uniform3. I will follow the rules and expectations of Spring Lane school4. I will attend all my lessons and arrive to each lesson on time.5. I will work to the best of my ability in lessons.6. I will be polite, use appropriate language and be respectful to Spring Lane staff,

pupils and visitors.7. I will be mature and seek support from staff and other pupils to reconcile any

difference I have with other members of the school community.8. I will keep the school free from litter and graffiti, making it a pleasant place to

study9. I will pay for any intentional damage I make to the school building10.I will comply with the school rules on IT and internet use, as discussed at

induction.

Signing the agreement commits me to all of the above statements. If you choose not to abide by the school expectations, consequences will be set and will become more severe if this occurs more than once.

Signed_______________ Name__________________ Date___________ (pupil) (please print)The Parent/Carer Agreement

1. I will ensure that my child attends Spring Lane School every day and contact school if my child is absent for any reason.

2. I will ensure my child has the correct uniform and wears it each day.3. I will support the school’s behaviour policy including rewards and sanctions,

working with school to progress my child’s learning.4. I will attend any meetings I am asked to attend in regard to my child and their

education.5. I will attend review days in school with my child and take an active interest in

my child’s education.6. I will keep the school informed of any issues/events which may affect my child’s

behaviour or performance.7. I support the Spring Lane protocol on IT use.8. I give permission for my child’s image (still or video) to be used in school

displays, publications or media to support the school.

Signing the agreement commits me to all of the above statements.

Signed _________________ Name________________ Date___________ (Parent) (please print)

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APPENDIX 2a 92% and below in half term by sessions

Date

The Parent Carer of Pupil NamePupil Address

Dear Parent/s name

Spring Lane School monitor the attendance and punctuality on a weekly basis along with our Education Welfare Officer, poor school attendance will impact on your child’s learning.

The Department of Education state that any child whose attendance falls below 90% is persistently absent and that this will have a negative impact on their attainment.

Our records show that pupil’s name has missed number sessions.

Should your child have any further absences school will require some form of medical evidence, this could be an appointment card or copy of a prescription. Without such evidence your child’s absence will be unauthorised.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact school on the above number.

Yours sincerely

Mr T. GledhillHead Teacher

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Unit Manager: Mrs A. Ball Headteacher: Mr T Gledhill

Spring Lane SchoolBury Secondary PRU

Spring Lane, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, M26 2SZTel: 0161 724 2900 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.springlaneschool.bury.sch.uk


APPENDIX 2b 92% or below in half term percentage

Date


Dear Parent/s name

Spring Lane School monitor the attendance and punctuality on a weekly basis along with our Education Welfare Officer, poor school attendance will impact on your child’s learning.

The Department of Education state that any child whose attendance falls below 90% is persistently absent and that this will have a negative impact on their attainment.

Our records show that pupil’s name attendance is currently at number %.

Should your child have any further absences school will require some form of medical evidence, this could be an appointment card or copy of a prescription. Without such evidence your child’s absence will be unauthorised.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact school on the above number.

Yours sincerely


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APPENDIX 3 Letter inviting parent in for a meeting if drop below 85% or 5 ua’s in half term

Date


Dear Parent/s name

Spring Lane School have previously contact you on date to inform you that pupil name’s attendance has fallen below an acceptable level, pupil name’s attendance is now figure%.

We would like you to attend a meeting in school to discuss this and to look at ways to improve your child’s attendance.

Please attend a meeting in school on:-

Day at time am/pm

Please report to reception upon arrival and ask for Name of person taking meeting.

If you are unable to attend this meeting please contact school on the number above so that an alternative appointment can be arranged.

Yours sincerely


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Spring Lane, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, M26 2SZ Tel: 0161 724 2900 Email: [email protected] Website: www.springlaneschool.bury.sch.uk


APPENDIX 4 Letter informing parent of referral to EWO if drops below 80% or 10 ua’s in half term

Date


Dear Parent/s name

We have written to you on two previous occasions in relation to your child’s poor school attendance. You were also invited in to a meeting in school which you did/did not attend. Your child’s current attendance is ??% and as matters have not improved we will now be having a discussion with the school’s Education Welfare Officer who will decide on the next steps.

It is important that you are aware that failing to ensure your child’s regular attendance at school is an offence under Section 444 1 (a) of the Education Act 1996 and can lead to prosecution should your child’s attendance fail to improve. If your child is referred to the Education Welfare Officer she will contact you in writing to arrange a home visit in the first instance.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the matter further please contact our Education Welfare Officer Nigel Barlow 0161 253 6244 or 07879 075281.

Yours sincerely


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school policy for pshe and citizenship · web viewon pupil induction, three contact numbers of...

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