Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Introduction

Rationale:

The main factors contributing to the formulation of a revised policy on attendance can be summarised as follows;

• The importance of regular school attendance
• The changing fabric of society
• The roll of the NEWB (Tulsa)
• Legislative requirements such as the Education Welfare Act 2000
• The outlining of school procedures in relation to absenteeism

Aims and Objectives:

The policy is geared towards;

• Encouraging full attendance where possible
• Identifying pupils at risk
• Promoting a positive learning environment
• Enabling learning opportunities to be availed of
• Raising awareness of the importance of school attendance
• Fostering an appreciation of learning

Compliance with School Ethos:

This policy complements the school ethos of nurturing potential in a caring environment where the welfare of children is paramount.

Roles and Responsibilities:

All staff have an input into the implementation of the policy. Class teachers record individual patterns of attendance and the school Principal makes returns to the National Education Welfare Board.

There is a very strong tradition of good attendance in St.John’s N.S. We are anxious that parents be aware of the absolute necessity for regular punctual attendance at school. Quite simply, children cannot learn if they are not at school. 

Policy Content

Recording:

Individual school attendance is recorded electronically on the Aladdin school administration system. Each teacher records class attendance on line by 10.30 a.m. each morning with a cumulative total attendance for the school also being recorded.

A dated note for parent / guardians is required to cover each absence. Various categories of absences fare recorded on the Aladdin system.

The categories are as follows:

1. Unexplained
2. Illness
3. Urgent family reason
4. Suspended
5. Other
6. Transferred to another school

Immediately following recording of an absence and where this absence has previously not been explained, the parent / guardian will receive a text explaining that their child is absent and that a note of explanation should be given to the class teacher when the child returns to school.

Parents are also made aware of the requirements of the National Education Welfare Board (Tulsa) particularly the bye law relating to absence of more than 20 days per school year. Absences of more than 20 days are automatically referred to the Education Welfare officer.

Parents are made aware of this bye law on a regular basis, at first on enrolment and subsequently in regular newsletters received from the school. Holidays taken during term time are strongly discouraged by the school and parents are made aware that such holidays may lead to surpassing the twenty day absence rule in relation to referral to the Education Welfare Officer.

Communication with other Schools:

• When a child transfers from St. John’s N.S. to another school, the schools records on attendance, academic progress etc. will be forwarded on receipt of written notification of the transfer
• When a child transfers into St. John’s N.S., confirmation of transfer will be communicated to the child’s previous school, and appropriate records sought
• Pupils transferring from St. John’s N.S. to a Post Primary school will have their records forwarded on receipt of confirmation of enrolment.

Communication with Parents:

The school informs all parents of the implications of non-attendance as per theEducation Welfare Act 2000.  This information is disseminated by regular school circulars.  Parents of new children are informed on enrolment.

Promoting Attendance:

• Being vigilant so that risks to good attendance such as disadvantage, bullying etc. are identified early.
• Rewarding good attendance through award of Best Attendance in each class during the school year.

Evaluation:

The success of any Attendance policy is measured through;

• Improved attendance levels
• Happy confident well adjusted children
• Positive parental feedback
• Teacher vigilance

Punctuality:

Punctuality is essential. If a child misses the start of the school day he / she miss teaching time and social interaction. The day begins with play for the younger children. It is a very important time in the school day.

Children arriving late also disrupt the class; it can be embarrassing for the child and can also encourage absence.

Good time keeping is a vital skill which will help children as they progress through their school life and out into the wider world.

School begins at 9.20 a.m. All pupils and staff are expected to be on time. All children are expected to line up in their class line when the bell rings.

The school will write to parents / guardians in the event of pupils being consistently late. A copy of the letter will be kept on file.

References:

Education Welfare Act 2000

Section 29 Education Act

Policy Ratification

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management

Internet Acceptable User Policy

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USER POLICY

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT

St. John’s N.S wishes to give its students limited access to the Internet, which has potential benefits as a learning tool.

AIM

The aim of this policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner.   Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege.   Therefore if this policy is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and the appropriate sanctions will be imposed.

PROCEDURES

1. Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher.
2. Filtering software will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

This includes software provided by the school and the NCTE.

3. Pupils Internet usage will be monitored.
4. Students and teacher will be made aware of Internet safety guidelines as outlined by The National Centre for Technology and Education. Information seminars are organised by Parents Association on a regular basis to ensure that parents of pupils are familiar with internet safety. Guidelines for parents and teachers are available on www.webwise.ie
5. Uploading or downloading of non-approved material will not be permitted.
6. Virus protection software will be used on all computers and laptops.
7. The use of personal CD-ROM’s in school is forbidden.
8. Only teachers have access to the Internet password/wi-fi password.
9. Students will observe good “netiquette” (i.e. etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.
10. Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
11. No personal e-mail accounts to be used by the pupils.   If the need occurs students will use approved e-mail accounts under supervision by the class teacher
12. Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details e.g. telephone numbers.
13. No chat rooms will be accessed.
14. Students are not allowed to bring or use mobile phones in St. John’s N.S. so access to the internet on mobile phones is strictly forbidden.
15. The school reserves the right to discipline students for actions taken off campus if they are intended to have an effect on a student or they adversely affect the safety and well-being of a student while in school.

SANCTIONS

Misuse of the Internet will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the school Code of Discipline.

SUPPORT STRUCTURES

The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.   Parents will be provided with the addresses of the relevant websites.

CONCLUSION

It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually.   Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to indicate that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

Accident Procedures / Policy

click here to download the school’s Accident Report Form

Safety of pupils and staff is a priority for the Board of Management, and robust measures have been put in place to ensure that no children or staff are put at risk.

• A comprehensive school Safety Statement was prepared by the school community whereby all  hazards were identified and remedial measures were outlined, if required. A review audit is conducted annually.
• The school is insured by Allianz and a Pupils Personal Accident Insurance Policy (a 24 hour policy), is in place for all children.
• The provision of specialist First Aid Training for staff has been identified as a priority by Board of Management. Staff have been trained in basic first aid during the school year 2015/16.
• Each classroom teacher regularly instructs his/her class on issues relating to safety in the class/yard. Dangerous practices such as throwing stones, running fast in the Infant areas, engaging in “horseplay”, fighting etc. are subject to severe sanctions (see School Anti-Bullying Policy /Code of Behaviour).  The Principal gives regular reminders at tionól (assembly).
• Certain procedures are in place in the event of accidents. (See procedures)
• There are at least four teachers and five S.N.A.s on yard duty at any one time.

General Procedures for Accident/Injury

Minor Accident/Injury

The injured party is initially looked after by the teacher on yard duty.  If deemed necessary, the child will be taken to the First Aid Station (Servery), where an S.N.A. will attend to the injured pupil. No medicines are administered, but cuts are cleaned with water and antiseptic wipes and bandages/plasters applied if deemed appropriate. The use of plastic gloves is advised at all times. Parents are notified as a matter of protocol either at the time of the accident if deemed necessary by the class teacher/Principal or by meeting parent or in Homework journal when going home that evening.

More Serious Accidents/Injuries

If considered safe to do so, the injured party is taken to the First Aid Station. Parents/guardians are immediately informed, particularly if there is a suspicion of broken bones/head or eye injuries. The child is kept under intense observation until parents /guardians arrive, with the emphasis on making the child as comfortable and as settled as possible. Parents are kept informed of a developing situation.

Very Serious Injuries

In the event of a very serious injury, parents/guardians are immediately contacted. If the considered opinion of the staff is that immediate professional help is required, an ambulance is called. Parents are kept informed of developing situations.

NOTE:            It is strongly recommended by the Board of  Management that a child recovering within one of the above categories and who presents at school (e.g. in plaster or on crutches) will remain under supervision in the First Aid Station during break times.  Parents of any child who returns to school following a surgical procedure or any hospital stay MUST provide the Board of Management with a written confirmation of fitness for attendance at school.

Categories of Injury / School Procedures

Minor Cuts and Bruises

Method:

In all cases of injury it is understood that there are two teachers on yard duty and five S.N.A.s.   If the teacher on Yard Duty deems it necessary, the injured pupil is taken to the First Aid Station

• Clean around cuts, cleaning from the center outwards.
• Gloves are used at all times to reduce risk of spread of infection.
• A check is carried out to locate small bodies which may be embedded in the wound.
• Plaster, gauze is placed on the wound, if necessary.
• S.N.A. observation is maintained followed by teacher observation in classroom.
• Children are advised to show/tell parents.
• In sports, appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn.

Sprains/Bruises

Method:

• In the event of a sprain/bruise, the process of rest, ice, compress and elevate is implemented (RICE).
• If in doubt, parent/s is contacted.
• Teacher observation is maintained.

Faints and Shocks

Method:

• Lie the casualty down.
• Raise the legs above the level of the heart.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• Ensure there is fresh air.
• Keep crowds away.
• Reassure casualty when they recover.
• Contact parents.
• The event is subsequently recorded in the Accident Book

Severe Bleeding

Method:

• Act instantly – Go, Go, Go!
• Set or lie the injured party down.
• Press down on wound using gloves.
• Lift (if possible) the injured part above the level of the heart.
• Put a clean dressing over the wound and secure it firmly with a bandage.
• If blood shows through the dressing then place another one over the first and bandage  firmly.
• Treat for shock.
• GET HELP!
• Contact parents.
• If very serious contact casualty immediately.
• Record in accident book.

Burns/Scalds

Method:

• Immediately remove child from danger area.
• Cool burnt area with cold running water.
• Remove rings etc. and other tight fitting accessories.
• Do not remove objects stuck to skin.
• In the event of a minor burn use a special burn gauze / burneze

Unconsciousness

Method:

• Ring for medical help.
• Place child in recovery position.
• Ring for parents.
• Check for broken bones, neck or back injury.
• If subject is not breathing, artificial respiration is applied.
• Other children are kept away.

Stings/Bites

Method:

• Vinegar is used for wasp stings.
• Bread soda is used for bee stings.
• If case is serious/ parent/s are contacted.

The First Aid Policy is based on collective teacher input. The teacher on yard duty is automatically assisted by others in the case of a serious injury.

Record Keeping

All accidents / injuries are recorded in the Accident Report Book, which is kept in the Administration office. One Accident Report Book covers all children in the school. Teachers are encouraged to keep a separate copy of accident report forms relating to injuries sustained by children in their class. The accident report form lists date and time of accident, witnesses, nature of injuries, a brief description of the circumstance of the accident, procedures followed by staff etc. (See Accident Report Form).    Very serious injuries will be notified to the Schools Insurers on the special Incident Report Form.   Relevant medical information on all pupils is obtained at time of enrolment on the school’s enrolment form.  If necessary an Acute Medical Form is also completed. This requests parents to list more detail of the child’s medical condition. Where emergency medication needs to be administered the school has a full policy relating to the Administration of Medicines.

click here to download the school’s Accident Report Form