Attendance
Why Attendance Matters
Research shows that absence from school can have a significant impact on children’s learning and social development. Children who miss a substantial amount of school fall behind their peers, and struggle to catch up. Most of the work they miss is never made up, which can lead to big gaps in learning.
A pattern of poor attendance can start early, and children who fall into this pattern risk underachievement at secondary school.
Our aim for good attendance is 97% for each student (3 days off school in a year). We understand that students may be too ill to come into school at times. Persistent absence, which is a government term, is less than 90% attendance (20 days off school in a year). All research shows that students who attend school achieve higher GCSE grades than if they hadn’t.
Friendships can also be affected by persistent absence. Forming and maintaining good relationships with classmates and friends is a protective factor for emotional resilience in our students.
You can find a copy of the Trust's Attendance Policy here:
Reporting an Absence
If your child is going to be absent, please contact the school as soon as possible and by 8.20am on each day. Please see the link below on how to do this:
Please provide your child's name, class, reason for absence, and expected return date. You are expected to call in and report absence everyday your child is absent. We will be in contact if we have not heard from you.
If you have any questions then please contact us at school. In the first instance for any concerns please contact your child’s form tutor. They will either be able to answer your query or direct you to the most appropriate contact in school.
Leave of Absence
There is no entitlement in law to time off in term time (leave of absence). Wyvern St Edmund’s will not authorise leave of absence in term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Should a parent/carer wish to apply for leave of absence they are required to complete the Leave of Absence (LoA) Request Form which is available below.
A decision will be made in writing at the earliest opportunity.
Education Welfare Officer
Please see below a document from our Education Welfare Officer, Caroline Holt.
How to avoid meeting me by Caroline Holt, Education Welfare Officer, Wiltshire Council
Please find below some useful information:
Supporting Your Child's Attendance
Leaflet: You and the Law on School Attendance, Your Questions Answered
Authorised vs. Unauthorised Absence
Understanding the difference between authorised and unauthorised absences is important for maintaining good attendance records.
Authorised Absences:
These are absences that the school may approve. Examples include:
- Illness: If your child is too sick to attend school.
- Medical/Dental Appointments: If these cannot be scheduled outside school hours.
- Family Emergencies: Such as a bereavement or other significant events.
- Religious Observances: When observance falls on a school day.
To have an absence authorised, please provide details explaining the reason. For medical absences, evidence may be required for prolonged or frequent absences. Remember an absence may be authorised but it still counts against your child’s attendance record.
Unauthorised Absences:
These are absences that the school will not approve. Examples include:
- Unexplained Absences: Not providing a reason for the absence.
- Holidays: Taking vacations during term time.
- Shopping Trips: Going shopping during school hours.
- Lack of uniform: Your child being absent as their uniform is in the wash
- Transport difficulties: Your child being absent as they have missed the bus
- Non-Urgent Appointments: Such as haircuts, beauty treatments, or driving lessons.
- Family events: Day trips, weddings, or visiting relatives.
Unauthorised absences can impact a pupil’s learning and overall attendance record. If you are unsure whether an absence will be authorised, please contact us:
Email: wseattendance@wyvernsteds.org
The school reserves the right to make the final decision about whether an absence is authorised or unauthorised in line with government guidelines
Importance of Punctuality
Being on time is equally important. Arriving late can disrupt the class and affect your child’s learning. If your child is late, please ensure they check in at the school office upon arrival.
Support for Attendance Issues
We understand that there can be challenges in maintaining regular attendance. Our school is committed to working with parents to address these issues. Here’s how we can help:
- Regular Communication: We will keep you informed about your child's attendance record and address any concerns promptly.
- Attendance Meetings: We can schedule meetings to discuss any issues affecting your child’s attendance and work together to find solutions.
- Resources and Referrals: We can provide resources or refer you to external support services if needed.
- Personalised Support Plans: For pupils with chronic attendance issues, we can develop a support plan tailored to their specific needs.
If you are experiencing difficulties with ensuring your child’s regular attendance, please contact us. Our team is here to help and can provide support and resources to address any challenges.
For more information please contact us:
wseattendance@wyvernsteds.org
Let’s work together to ensure every pupil attends school regularly and on time, ready to learn and succeed!
