ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

We know that good attendance is essential for high academic outcomes, wellbeing and wider social development.  We want to work closely with parents and pupils to support regular attendance, giving every pupil the best chance of success.  

Our Heads of Year analyse attendance data at the start of each week, allowing them to monitor progress and act quickly when pupils are missing chunks of learning.   As a parent you can monitor your child’s attendance data on My School Portal.  Where attendance falls below 90% you may be invited to meet with us to discuss support pathways.  Addressing concerns quickly and openly can avoid longer term issues developing.  

You don’t need to wait for us to get in touch!  If you have any concerns or questions about attendance please contact your child’s Head of Year. 

A few attendance reminders!

The role of parents:

• Report your child’s absence on My School Portal before 8.30am each day (if there are any difficulties with this please phone the school reception)
• Log any medical appointments or requests for leave on My School Portal. Please note that each type of request for leave comes with its own parameters with regard to the notice period required. You will not be able to make requests which breach these guidelines.  Where possible medical appointments should be arranged during school breaks. 
• If you are not sure whether your child is well enough to attend school, the NHS guidance Is my child too ill for school? – NHS (www.nhs.uk) is designed to support parents in their decision making about mild illness. Medical advice is clear however that children with mild illness will often be well enough to attend – for example if they have a cough, or cold, without a temperature.
• Have a backup plan in case your child misses school transport
• If you and your child are experiencing difficulties with school attendance, then talk to us as a first step so we can help!

The role of school:

• Record your child’s attendance every day.
• Contact you to inform you if your child is absent from school without notice.
• Communicate concerns regarding attendance with you and work with you to support improvement.
• Provide support in accessing wider support agencies where appropriate.
• If we cannot establish a reason for absence, then we may make a welfare home visit.