Behaviour and absence

What is the school’s approach to bullying?

Bullying is not tolerated at Christleton Primary School. We work hard to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in which children feel confident to speak to an adult if they are worried about something.

Any concerns about bullying are taken seriously and investigated appropriately. Where bullying is identified, the school will take action in accordance with our Anti-Bullying Policy and Behaviour Policy and will provide appropriate support for the children involved.

Children are taught about positive relationships, kindness, respect and how to respond to bullying through the curriculum, assemblies and other opportunities throughout the school year. We also take part in the national Anti-Bullying Week each November.

Our Anti-Bullying Policy can be found in the Policies section of the school website.

What is the school’s approach to behaviour?

At Christleton Primary School, we have high expectations for behaviour and encourage children to be kind, respectful, responsible and ready to learn.

We aim to promote positive behaviour through clear expectations, consistent routines, positive relationships and recognition of good choices. Where behaviour does not meet our expectations, staff respond in a consistent and proportionate way, taking account of the individual circumstances and needs of the child where appropriate.

Full details of our approach, including expectations, rewards and consequences, can be found in our Behaviour Policy in the Policies section of the school website.

What should I do if my child tells me that they have been hurt or upset by another child?

We encourage children to tell an adult in school straight away if something has happened that has hurt or upset them. Staff will listen, establish what has happened and take appropriate action.

Where an incident is significant, or where we feel parents need to be made aware of what has happened, a member of staff will contact you.

Sometimes children tell their parents about an incident that staff were not aware of at the time. If your child tells you about something that concerns you, please contact their class teacher. The teacher will look into the matter and respond appropriately.

If you believe the matter may involve bullying, please let us know. Bullying usually involves behaviour that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated and may involve an imbalance of power. Not every disagreement, friendship difficulty or isolated incident between children constitutes bullying, but all concerns will be taken seriously.

Absence and Attendance

What is the school’s approach to absence?

Regular attendance is important for children’s learning, friendships, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We therefore encourage children to attend school every day that they are well enough to do so.

We recognise that there will be occasions when a child is unable to attend because of illness or other genuine circumstances. We also recognise that some children may experience additional barriers to attendance. Where this happens, we will work with families to understand the circumstances and provide appropriate support.

Leave of absence during term time can only be authorised where there are exceptional circumstances. Requests are considered individually by the Headteacher.

Further information can be found in our Attendance Policy and in the Attendance (Illness and Absence) section of the school website.

If my child has a medical or dental appointment during the school day, should they attend school beforehand or return afterwards?

Wherever possible, we ask parents and carers to arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside school hours.

We recognise that this is not always possible. If an appointment has to take place during the school day, children should attend school before the appointment and/or return afterwards wherever it is practical to do so. This helps to minimise the amount of learning they miss.

Please notify the school office in advance of the appointment. The school may ask to see evidence of the appointment, such as an appointment letter, card, email or text message.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

Parents should plan family holidays during the school holidays wherever possible.

Headteachers may only grant a leave of absence during term time where exceptional circumstances exist. The need or desire to take a family holiday during term time is not, in itself, considered an exceptional circumstance.

If you need to request leave during term time, please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form in advance. Each request will be considered individually, taking account of the particular circumstances.

Where leave is not authorised and a child is absent from school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Unauthorised absence may result in a referral to Cheshire West and Chester Council and, where the relevant criteria are met, a penalty notice or other legal intervention may be considered.

Further information about attendance, illness and requests for leave can be found in our Attendance (Illness and Absence) section.