Being in school is important to your child’s academic achievement, wellbeing, and wider development.
There is evidence to suggest that regular school attendance is a key mechanism to support children and young people’s educational, economic and social outcomes. Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
Attendance at school is crucial to prepare young people for successful transition to adulthood, and to support their longer term economic and social participation in society. There is also evidence that the pupils with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A- Level results. It’s never too late to benefit from good attendance.
From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child.
FAQ’s
It’s usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses, including general cold symptoms like a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat. Children should stay at home if they have a high temperature (38C or above).
Further information about whether your child is too ill for school, including information on other illnesses like chickenpox, headlice, and a sore throat, is available on the NHS website here.
Term time holidays will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Parents/carers should put their request in writing to the school as soon as possible. If a child is taken on a holiday without the authorisation of our Headteacher, the parent/carer may be liable to pay a fine and/or be prosecuted for non-attendance.
We have outlined the Government guidance on term time holidays here.
An authorised absence is where the school has given approval for absence in advance or where the explanation given afterwards has been accepted as satisfactory justification for the absence. Parents/carers may not authorise absence; only the school can do this.
Punctuality is an important part of good attendance at school. The Attendance Officer will produce weekly reports for the EWO that identify lateness for pupils and those with persistent or patterns of lateness to lessons will be placed onto Late Report with time missed being made up at a lunch time or after school (depending on the situation).
Authorised Absences
An authorised absence is where the school has given approval for absence in advance or where the explanation given afterwards has been accepted as satisfactory justification for the absence. Parents/carers may not authorise absence; only the school can do this.
Parents/carers should contact the Attendance Office (by telephone, SIMS Parent App or email) prior to the absence (before 8.30 am if on the day of absence), giving a reason and an expected date of return. Wherever possible, pupils should attempt to arrange non-school activities outside of their timetable / school day.
- A medical appointment
- A family bereavement and/or attendance at a funeral
- A religious observance
- A visit to a university / college, either to attend an open day or for an interview
- A careers interview
- An appointment with a Youth & Family Support Service personal advisor/CAMHS/MIND counsellor
- A work experience placement (although preferably arranged for during weekends or holidays)
- Moving house (1day only)
- A job interview (Sixth Form only)
- Driving test (Sixth Form only)
- Sporting competitions
- Examinations
- Performing Arts examinations
To read the full Attendance policy, please click here.
