We expect all children to attend school regularly and punctually. Studies have shown that even a short absence can impact on learning. Not attending school regularly, a day here or there doesn't seem to like much but absences add up. Two days a month is equal to 4 weeks a year which is over one year of lost learning from Nursery to Year 11.

The school has high expectations regarding pupil attendance and punctuality. Children learn best and feel more confident when they attend school regularly and punctually and we expect pupils to attend every day, when school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so.  We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school. To this end, we strive to make our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children.  

Pupil absences are carefully monitored by Carmarthenshire LEA as the school uses a computerised registration system which records attendance in both morning and afternoon session. This system also tracks attendance patterns, authorised and unauthorised. 

The Headteacher and/or class teachers will arrange meetings with parents to discuss incidents of poor attendance, punctuality or concern which may involve the Education Welfare Service. 

Late Procedures: Pupils need to be at school before 9:10am when school starts and the register is taken. You can drop pupils off from 8:45am.The school gates are closed at 9:10am. If you arrive after this time, you will need to be ring the bell on the parent gate and bring your child in to the main Reception area to sign them into school. We understand that there may be one off occasions where things haven't gone to plan in the morning making you late. Persistent late arrivals may result in a meeting with the Headteacher and attendance officers from the local authority. 

Absence Procedures: In the event that a child is absent from school, parents are asked to telephone or email the school to advise of the reason for absence. If there is no contact from a parent/guardian, a text message, email or telephone call will be made by the school to find out where your child is. To avoid an absence being unauthorised, please ensure that you follow these procedures. Any unexplained absences or absences without permission will have be recorded as ‘unauthorised’.

Medical and dental appointments should, as far as possible, be arranged out of school hours.

We believe that children need to be in school for all sessions, so that they can make the most progress possible. However, we do understand that there are circumstances under which a parent may legitimately request leave of absence for a child to attend, e.g. a special event. We expect parents and carers to contact the school at least a week in advance.  

Parents are discouraged from taking children out of school for family holidays during term time. If you feel that there are extenuating circumstances why you must take your child out of school during term time, please contact Mrs Howells, Headteacher on 01554 759178 or emailing admin@stmarysllanelli.ysgolccc.cymru

The Headteacher has the authority to grant up to 10 days for a family holiday but this is considered on a case by case basis and will take into account a range of risk factors currently affecting the individual child/children such as 

• The age of the child
• The time of year of the proposed trip; 
• The length and purpose of the time off; 
• Any impact on continuity of learning; 
• Overall attendance pattern
• The child’s progress
• Any guidance issued by Welsh Government
• Balanced with:
  • The circumstances of the family 
  • The wishes and views of the parents; and 
  • The purpose of the holiday

PLEASE NOTE: The above list is not exhaustive and the Headteacher is entitled to take into account other factors which they feel to be relevant to the exercise of their discretion.