Attendance and Absence
At Waterloo we recognise the disruption to many children’s previous education and the disruption caused by covid. We strive to instil a sense of belonging and know that through this attendance improves. For our children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered it is vital your child is at school, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. The routines children develop around attendance and punctuality at school are the same as the expectations of any future employer in the world of work. High attainment, confidence with peers and staff and future aspirations depend on good attendance.Further attendance guidance for parents/carers can be found using the following link: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/behaviour-attendance-parents
The Department of Education (DofE) have put together some useful links and sources of mental health support for children, parents and carers - please click here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/09/03/mental-health-resources-for-children-parents-carers-and-school-staff/
The school day hours are: 8.50 am to 2.50 pm.
Requesting an Authorised Absence for Holidays, Medical appointments, etc
Schools are only able to authorise absence from school in exceptional circumstances. In making a request for an authorised absence from school you will need to explain why the circumstances are exceptional. Please note: There is no general right to authorise absence for a family holiday. If you take your child out of school without permission the absence will be unauthorised and we will consider legal action.
You are advised not to make any arrangements for a holiday until your request has been considered.
Absence for medical/dental appointments should have a copy of the appointment letter attached to the request for absence form.
Please click here for a form to request an authorised absence. Please complete and return this form to the school office as soon as possible. Thank you.
Absence Procedure for Sickness
If your child is not going to be in school due to sickness, please call the office on 02392 255956 or email: adminoffice@waterloo.hants.sch.uk before 9.00 am on each day of the absence specifying the reason.
If we have not heard from you by this time we will call the contact numbers provided in order to gain a reason for the absence.
Click here for a flowchart of the procedures to support your child's attendance.
NHS "Is your child too poorly for school?" Guidance
It is always a worry when a child becomes unwell, but it is not always obvious how to care for them and whether you should keep them at home. You can now find handy NHS guidance in one place online that will help you identify a possible condition, so you can decide whether to send your child to school.
On the website is a list of common childhood illnesses and conditions from conjunctivitis to head lice, as well as symptoms such as a high temperature and a sore throat and what these might mean. There is advice about what to do and when a child should return to education after being treated.
Visit the Should your child go to school/nursery today? website at https://what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/child-unwell-ok-go-nurseryschool or go online and search for ‘0-18 should child go to school’. Please bookmark this website so it is easy to find if ever your child becomes unwell.
If you are unsure about a child’s wellbeing, please talk to your local pharmacist, call the NHS helpline on 111, or contact your GP.
The guidance has been created by the County Council, with the NHS and local authority partners through the Healthier Together initiative, which aims to improve the health of children and young people in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.