Attending every day gives your child the best chance of success. Those who attend every day, on time, attain higher grades and will be able to go on to attend the best universities, or a real alternative.

It is the law that parents or carers must make sure their child of compulsory school age receives a full-time education. As a parent or carer, you are responsible for making sure they go on time every day.

All students are expected to attend school every day. Whilst occasional sickness is unavoidable, it is of key importance that the attendance of every student is kept above 97%.

If a student is regularly absent, they will fall behind with learning, this makes attendance fundamental in making sure young people become successful learners.

A child who misses school for at least 10% of the time is considered a persistently absent child and prolonged or frequent absenteeism is treated seriously. Parents are breaking the law when their child regularly misses school and can therefore be fined. New statutory attendance guidance details below

Penalty notices will be issued by the local authority for each student absent from the Academy.

For Example: If 3 siblings are absent from the Academy, this would result in each parent receiving 3 separate fines.

Penalty notices can be issued for the following reasons:

• 5 consecutive days of term time leave.
• 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a 10-week period. Penalty notices will be considered when there have been 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a 10-week period.

Studybugs frequently asked questions:

What time should parents/carers report an absence by?

As early as possible, only on the day of the absence. You cannot mark an absence for a future day in the week.

What happens if a parent/carer does not report an absence?

An automatic studybugs message will be sent out to the parent/carer. After 2 days of absence the form tutor will phone the parent/carer.

Can parents/carers still phone in to report absence?

No, we all encourage all parents/carers to use the studybugs app.

Top 3 reasons to use Studybugs

1. It’s integrated with our systems so we know right away if your child is unaccounted for.
2. It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.
3.  You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. (About Studybugs)

Download the parent/carer studybugs guide

• Make any appointments outside school hours or during school holidays wherever possible.
• If this cannot be done please book these at the start or end of the Academy day to minimise the impact of lost learning. Evidence such as appointment confirmation texts or appointment cards / letters must be provided to the Academy.
• Attending appointments does not mean your child should have a full day off. Ensure your child attends the Academy before or after appointments.
• The NHS pharmacies first scheme can also support and are accessible outside of Academy hours 
• Figure out the reasons for absence as this can help you understand where your child needs support in overcoming barriers to attending school
• Establish a good routine so that your child gets into good habits e.g. getting plenty of sleep, setting the alarm to allow plenty of time to get ready, prepare uniform and school bag the night before.
• Offer support with homework and take an interest in their learning
• Attend Academic Review Days to discuss your child’s progress
• Take trips during school holidays not in term time
• Do not allow days off for minor illness or ailments use the NHS website for additional guidance Is my child too ill for School?
• Ensure your child has a good understanding of why attendance is important
• Keep in regular contact with the Academy and discuss any issues as soon as possible