Regular attendance at school promotes pupil well-being, maximises progress in learning and helps pupils reach their potential. The attendance pattern for all children is monitored weekly with the school seeking to work actively with parents to ensure a regular pattern is maintained.
Good attendance is fundamental to a successful and fulfilling school experience. It is our duty to promote 100% attendance for all children. For our children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered it is vital that our pupils are at school, on time, every day the school is open, unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable.
All children have the right to an education and we have put in place appropriate procedures to support this. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school and learning.
| Minutes Late | Days Absent |
| 5 mins late each day = 3.4 days lost a year | Attendance of 97% = 5 days absent a year |
| 10 mins late each day = 6.9 days lost a year | Attendance of 95% = 10 days absent a year |
| 15 mins late each day = 10.3 days lost a year | Attendance of 90% = 20 days absent a year |
| 20 mins late each day = 13.8 days lost a year | Attendance of 85% = 30 days absent a year |
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school – the NHS have produced this helpful page for parents – is my child too ill for school?
We are always on-hand to offer advice and guidance around illness, however it is important to remember that we are not medical professionals and from time to time may recommend that you speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
You should inform the Academy on the first day of the child’s absence, so that an authorised absence can be recorded. Authorised absences are acceptable reasons for absence and cover: illness; hospital/dental appointments; religious holidays; attendance at court; funerals etc. However, all appointments should, where possible, be arranged after the Academy day or during holidays.
Parents/carers who collect children during the day to go to the doctor, dentist etc. must first report to the office and the child will be collected from their classroom by office staff.
You must collect and complete a Leave of Absence form for any planned absences – this includes, weddings, funerals, ID/passport appointments etc. Only the Principal or Attendance Lead can authorise absences.
To report an absence please call the school office on 01493 603462 or email [email protected]
Unauthorised absences are absences where no acceptable reason is given and include: shopping; going to the airport; a relative visiting; going for a haircut; parent/carer unwell; holidays etc. Under no circumstances may children leave the Academy, by themselves during Academy hours.
If a child’s attendance continues to be poor, there are no justifiable reasons why your child is not attending regularly, and/or you do not talk to the school about your child’s absence, then you may be breaking the law. This could result in a Support Panel or Fast Track to Attendance Panel process being started.