Internet safety is important at Westgarth. The Internet is a fantastic resource and can help children to learn, but it is important to use it properly and safely.

At Westgarth we work continuously with the children to raise awareness of e-safety. Through our curriculum, assemblies and class projects, we strive to make sure that our pupils are responsible digital citizens. Children are taught how to use the internet safely, but to also realise that they will encounter situations which may call upon them to use their knowledge and respond correctly.

If you have any questions or concerns about e-safety then please contact our e-safety officer in school, Mr Calton.

E-Safety Resources

There is a wealth of online resources aimed at educating children on how to use the internet safely and effectively. Below are some of the websites and resources that we would recommend. Please click on the images to access the resource.

	The CEOP YouTube channel has lots of videos for parents and children
	National Online Safety (NOS) has advice on lots of popular apps and guides for staying safe online.
	BBC Own It has advice on what to do when faced with tricky situations online, how to deal beat cyberbullies and what to do if something online is making you feel anxious.
	Childnet International is full of E-Safety advice and has links to lots of other resources
	The NSPCC has lots of advice for parents on how to start a conversation with children about E-Safety.
	Childline has lots of resources to support children in dealing with difficult online situations.
	Welcome to your ultimate internet survival guide. Here are the tips and tricks you’ll need to stay safe online, beat the cyber-bullies and become a super-surfer.
	Follow the adventures of Kara, Winston and the SMART crew.
	Watch Hector and his friends learning how to use the internet safely.​
	Be totally cool and show your friends how much you know about Internet safety by watching the video clips on here.
	SMART-Z-Cards-Primary Childnet Website

At Westgarth Primary School, we believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is the development of positive attitudes towards school. We strive to make our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children.
Westgarth keeps an attendance register that records which pupils are present at the start of both the morning and the afternoon sessions of the school day. This register will also indicate whether an absence was authorised or unauthorised.
Since September 2013, Headteachers have been unable to grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.
All parents will receive information regarding their child’s attendance on their end of year report, and spring report (Y1 to Y6) using the following statements:

• Excellent – 100%
• Good – above 96%
• Below average – 95% – 95.99%
• Cause for concern – 90% – 94.99%
• Persistent absence – 85% – 89.99%
• Serious concern – below 85%

To view our full attendance policy, please click here

Leave of absence request forms are available from the school office.

We aim to support you with your child’s attendance. We strive for our children to be able to achieve their full potential which requires them to be in school on time daily.

Please see the attached poster which highlights the new attendance rules:

To download click here: Penalty Notice Information 24

Evidence shows that the students with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A Level results. Our research found that pupils who performed better both at the end of primary and secondary school missed fewer days than those who didn’t perform as well. (Education Hub 23)

Additional information for Parents/Carers: Attendance Poster – 90 Percent Attendance

Attendance Poster – Every Lesson Counts

Attendance Poster – Five Minutes Late

Attendance Poster – In One School Year

Attendance Poster – Lessons Missed