Attendance
At Halewood Academy we are very aware of the link between good attendance and good learning and progress. Research has shown that the lower the attendance of a pupil the lower the GCSE grade at the end of Year 11. Less than 95% attendance every year in school equals a 1 grade difference across ALL GCSE grades. Therefore, Halewood Academy has a minimum target of 96% attendance for every pupil. Excellent attendance and punctuality are essential for future employment, where an absence rate of 5% or above would be considered a cause for concern.
You can download our Attendance Guide HERE
If a pupil does not attend school or is not taking part in an approved educational activity, they are classed as ABSENT from school. This means that if your child is off school for any reason, even if they are ill or have medical permission to be off school, they will be marked as ABSENT.
100% attendance is 190 days in school.
8 days of absence is 96%.
12 days of absence is 94%.
19 days absence is 90%.
29 days absence is 85%.
38 days absence is 80%.
47 days absence is 75%.
Please note: Even if an absence is authorised, percentage attendance is still affected.
We ask parents/carers not to keep their child off school unless the absence is absolutely unavoidable. Where this is the case please can parents/carers:
- Contact school on the first morning of absence by 8.30 a.m. to provide a reason for absence.
- Contact the school each day of absence until your child returns to school.
- Work with the school and any other agency to resolve any difficulties which may affect regular school attendance.
- Provide medical verification for any absences exceeding 5 days (10 sessions) or more.
Where absence is unavoidable, the school is very happy to ensure that work is provided so that your child does not fall behind in his or her progress. You will need to contact your child’s assistant progress leader to arrange this.
What is classed as Persistent Absence ?
Persistent Absence is classed as any absence that equates to over 10% of the academic year at any given time. Any pupil who appears on the persistent absence list may be monitored by Knowsley School Attendance Services. The thresholds are set out below:
Close of first half-term: 3.5 days in total
Close of 2nd half-term: 7 days in total
Close of 3rd half-term: 10 days in total
Close of 4th half-term: 12.5 days in total
Close of 5th half-term: 15.5 days in total
Close of 6th half-term: 19 days in total
Leave of Absence
The Education Regulations 2013 states that Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. In exceptional circumstances the school will consider a request for leave of absence for one period of absence only. Weddings and family events are not classed as special or exceptional circumstances. You will need to request leave of absence by letter at least six weeks prior to the proposed date of absence.
School Support Systems For Promoting Regular Attendance
In order to ensure good attendance from all our pupils we have a graduated support system as outlined below:
Stage | Attendance Thresholds | Actions |
Excellent | 96%-100% | Rewards:
|
Stage 1 | Below 96%- 94% | Form Tutor Support Form tutor interview- proforma completed Pupil voice through attendance proformas and interviews Parent/carer informed Letters sent out half-termly Home visits daily when absent
|
Stage 2 | Below 94%- 90% | Assistant Progress Leader support- weekly meetings Interview- proforma completed Parent/Carer informed by meeting or phone Pupil voice – as above Barriers to learning identified Attendance target set and reviewed weekly Letters home half-termly Education Penalty Notice warning letters Attendance report EWO one off visits or letters |
Stage 3 | Below 90% | For cases 85% or below- EWO caseload with some intervention below 90%-85% All absences to be unauthorised unless covered by medical evidence School issue Education Penalty warning notice School attendance service issue cautions School Attendance Service issue Education Penalty Notice Action plan for improved attendance agreed with parent/carer and school attendance service Multi-agency referral if required |
Stage 4 | Attendance does not improve- statutory proceedings. | Block prosecution EWO casework stage 4 Education Penalty Notice issued Court process- prosecution Education Supervision Order |
The Attendance Support Team
We have a dedicated team of staff at Halewood Academy who work on attendance; Mr Day, Assistant Principal works with the attendance officer, Mrs Graham, and Assistant Progress Leaders to scrutinise our attendance data daily and work closely with Knowsley School Attendance Services.
As you would expect, we have very high standards and are committed to all our pupils making maximum progress. The attendance staff are always happy to offer advice and support to pupils, parents/carers and families on effective strategies for maximising attendance. If you would like more details please do not hesitate to contact school.
IT IS VITAL THAT YOU KEEP US INFORMED IF YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CHANGE.
