Attendance Matters
Scissett Middle School aims to maximise attendance rates in order to ensure that all students are able to take the fullest advantage of the learning experiences available to them and are prepared for the world of work and further study. Every child has a fundamental right to be educated and parents have a duty to ensure their child’s full attendance at school.
It is well recognised that good, consistent attendance at school is crucial to a child’s future prospects. Evidence shows that children with poor attendance are unlikely to succeed academically and they are more likely not to be in education, employment, or training (NEET) when they leave school. Research suggests that when attendance falls below 90% this can equate to a 1 grade reduction in their GCSE achievement. In addition, being absent from school can leave students vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and crime.
At Scissett Middle School we strive for 100% attendance for all students. Scissett Middle School actively promotes good attendance and discourages unjustified absences. We recognise that by promoting good attendance and punctuality prepares students for adult working life. We expect all students to arrive on time and achieve at least the school 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.
- Builds resilience.
- Better job prospects.
Rewards for good attendance
- Certificates for excellent attendance.
- End of year reward for outstanding attendance.
Parents and Carers
Parents and Carers are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school and is punctual, in full uniform, and with full equipment ready to learn. If a child is prevented for any reason from attending or is late, parents and carers are requested to notify the school as soon as possible – by phone call (01484 865444), email (scissettoffice@themast.co.uk) or via the EduLink App on the day of absence (by 8:30am) and in writing if longer than 1 day. A student’s absence from school must be considered as unauthorised until a satisfactory explanation is forthcoming from the parent. Parents and carers will be informed promptly of any concerns that may arise over a child’s attendance.
Parents and Carers should avoid, if at all possible, making medical/dental appointments for their child during school hours. If parents or carers intend to take their child out of school, please ensure a Leave of Absence Request Form is filled in and returned to school. Students are expected to attend school before and after any appointments during the school day.
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. Research shows that the equivalent of 17 days absence from school can equate to achieving a grade lower at GCSE, meaning a 4 would become a 3.
90% attendance means one half day per week, 4 weeks per year, and half a year off over 5 years in high school. We are proud of the high standards we set for attendance and are keen to encourage all our students to achieve the best possible attendance records.
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 4 weeks in advance of the required date.
Penalty Notices
The headteacher (or someone authorised by the headteacher), local authority or the police can fine parents for the unauthorised absence of their child from school, where the child is of compulsory school age, by issuing a penalty notice.
If the school issues a penalty notice, it will check with the local authority before doing so, and send it a copy of any penalty notice issued.
Before issuing a penalty notice, the school will consider the individual case, including:
- The national threshold for considering a penalty notice has been met (10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a rolling period of 10 school weeks)
- Whether a penalty notice is the best available tool to improve attendance for that pupil
- Whether further support, a notice to improve or another legal intervention would be a more appropriate solution
- Whether any obligations that the school has under the Equality Act 2010 make issuing a penalty notice inappropriate
A penalty notice may also be issued where parents allow their child to be present in a public place during school hours without reasonable justification, during the first 5 days of a suspension or exclusion (where the school has notified the parents that the pupil must not be present in a public place on that day).
Each parent who is liable for the pupil’s offence(s) can be issued with a penalty notice, but this will usually only be the parent/parents who allowed the absence.
The payment must be made directly to the local authority, regardless of who issues the notice. If the payment has not been made after 28 days, the local authority can decide whether to prosecute or withdraw the notice.
If issued with a first penalty notice, the parent must pay £80 within 21 days, or £160 within 28 days.
If a second penalty notice is issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil, the parent must pay £160 if paid within 28 days.
A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within 3 years of the date of the issue of the first penalty notice. In a case where the national threshold is met for a third time within those 3 years, alternative action will be taken instead.