Absence

School Attendance and Absence

“We seek to ensure that all pupils receive a full-time education, maximising the opportunities for all to realise their true potential. All school staff will work, with pupils and their families, to support them in meeting their legal duty to ensure that their children achieve maximum possible attendance; and that any problems which may impede full attendance are acted upon quickly”.

Did you know?
90% attendance means that a pupil is missing half a day’s school a week?

95% attendance means that a pupil will miss two weeks of school in a year?

93% attendance or better gives a pupil a 73% chance of achieving 5 GCSEs, Grades A-C, whatever their ability?

The Local Authority will become involved where a pupil’s attendance falls to 90%

There are 190 school days in a year leaving 175 in which to take holiday?

Frequently Asked Questions…

Q: My child is unwell, what should I do?
A: Please call the school reception no later than 8.30am, 01630 652312. A call is requested for every day of absence.

Q: Why do I need to call every day?
A: We cannot assume that a pupil is unwell just because they were off school the previous day. If you believe an absence due to illness may be prolonged please contact us so that we can make arrangements to avoid you calling daily.

Q: I know in advance that my child needs to leave school early for an appointment, what should I do?
A: Send your child to school with a note stating the reason they need to leave school and the time you wish to collect them.

Q: I have just remembered that I need to collect my child during the school day, what should I do?
A: In the first instance, please call us, 01630 652312.

Q: I wish to take my child out of school for a family holiday (or other reason) during term time.

Leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and can only be authorised by the Headteacher. Exceptional circumstances are defined as ‘one-off’ occasions where a request for leave of absence is unavoidable and does not cover annually occurring family holiday. Please complete a leave of absence request form, available from the school office, and submit no later than two weeks prior to the start of the leave. In order for the Headteacher to reach an informed decision, please include as much detail as possible to explain why exceptional circumstances apply.

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INFORMATION: A new guide for parents on improving school attendance

Members of the Attendance Action Alliance have worked with the Department for Education to develop this short guide, which helps parents understand how they can work with their school and local authority to support their children to attend school and get the right support.