Why is attendance important?
Every day of education and indeed every lesson matters. In the National Curriculum where there is built in progression, children who are persistently late or absent soon get behind with learning and then do not understand current lessons when they return.
The introduction to a lesson and to the school day is crucial to the child’s understanding of their own learning. Children who miss school frequently will undoubtedly have gaps in their learning which will impede their progress and future ability to engage in lessons. This in turn has a knock on effect for their ability to concentrate and for their behaviour.
Frequent absence has a profound and cumulative effect on achievement.
Reporting absence
If a pupil is unable to attend school due to an illness or other circumstances, parents/ carers should contact the school office before 8.15am.
If the academy has not heard from you by 9.15am the Academy Administrator will contact you directly.
The academy must report any unauthorised or continued absences to the Educational Welfare Service, who will then contact the family directly to discuss reasons for the absence.
If a pupil is likely to be absent from school for a prolonged period, parents/ carers should speak to the academy to explain the situation. We will be happy to discuss any support required to ensure they keep up to date with what is taking place at the academy.
On a pupil’s return to school following an absence, please write a short note/ email outlining the reason for the absence. If the absence is longer than five days a doctor’s certificate is required. For pupils who are persistently absent; parents/ carers will be asked to provide a doctor’s certificate for absences of three days or more.
Lateness
The register is closed at 8.40am. Any pupils not in school by 8.40am will be marked as late. If your child is likely to be late for school, please telephone the Academy's reception before 8.30am. Once you arrive at the academy please go directly to Reception of the Academy so that we can mark your child as present immediately.
Exceptional Pupil Leave Request
Where there are mitigating circumstances that a child might be missing from school for multiple days, parents must complete the following form, https://forms.office.com/e/3hcs2NPJRa. Only very exceptional circumstances apply (for example a funeral/family bereavement).