Attendance Matters

We expect all students to arrive on time and achieve at least the DfE minimum target of 97% attendance over the school year. 

Why is good attendance important?                                   

• School work is easier to cope with                                      
• Students feel more secure
• Work is satisfying
• Better results
• Better job prospects
• References

Rewards for good attendance

• Certificates for 100% attendance
• Entry in Record of Achievement
• Letters/postcards home
• End of year reward for outstanding attendance

What is meant by unauthorised absence?

Some absences are allowed by law. For example, if a child is ill or there is a family crisis such as a funeral. However there are times when pupils are absent which are not permitted. We need the help of parents to cut down this kind of absence:

• Looking after younger children or relatives
• Going out to buy shoes
• Sleeping in
• Waiting in for the gas man or other tradesman

We realise that on some occasions there may be a particular problem that causes your child to be absent. Please let us know and we will deal with it sympathetically.

Maintaining Excellent Attendance

Leave of Absence in Term Time

There is a very clear link between a child’s attendance record and their success in learning. There is a clear link between attendance and attainment. 

Parents/carers do not have a legal right to take children out of school during term time. Each application is considered individually by the Head of School. Permission for a leave of absence during term time must be requested at least 4 weeks in advance of the required date. 

Penalty Notice

Parent/carers who take their children out of school during the academy term without the Head of School's authorisation or beyond an agreed date, risk being issued a penalty notice or taken to court.  

As a guide, any unauthorised absence totalling 10 days within a ten-week rolling period, parents/carers are likely to receive a penalty notice. The academy will notify parents/carers in advance if taking this course of action and then parent/carers will hear in due course from the relevant local authority once they have processed the penalty notice.   

The penalty notice is £80, for each parent/carer of each child, if paid within 21 days, and £160 if paid after this date but within 28 days. Non-payment of a penalty notice will normally trigger a prosecution (under the provisions of section 444 of the Education Act 1996 or under the provisions of S103 (3) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006). The prosecution can only be for the original offence and NOT for the non-payment of the penalty notice. Failure to pay the penalty notice could result in the local authority commencing legal proceedings against you for the offence of not ensuring your child’s regular academy attendance.  If found guilty, you may be fined up to £1,000 and you will receive a criminal record.

Repeat Offences

A maximum of two penalty notices may be issued to a parent for the same children within a three-year rolling period.

If a third penalty notice is issued within a rolling period of three years, another course of action will need to be considered, such a prosecution. A magistrate can fine each parent £2500 per child.

1 parent and 4 children = £10,000
2 parents and 4 children = £20,000

In addition: 

·  You risk losing your child’s place at the academy if they are absent for 20 days or more. 

·  You risk your child’s future through lost learning and lower achievement.

·  You risk your child feeling left behind and left out. 

 

For further information please read our Attendance Policy below.