At Hele’s School we expect high levels of attendance and punctuality from all of our pupils. We believe that regular attendance promotes positive social development, develops self discipline and improves pupil progress. There is a clear link between attendance and attainment and as a school we expect all pupils to aim to achieve at least 97% attendance. Outstanding attendance is regularly recognised and rewarded throughout the year. 

 

Poor attendance can have a detrimental effect on progress. A student who has 90% attendance misses almost 4 weeks of the school year, which equates to over 100 hours of learning.

 

If your child is absent, you are requested to;

Contact the school on the first morning of  your child’s absence by 9.00am stating your child’s full name, registration group and an explanation for their absence. You should continue to contact the school on each day that the absence continues.

In the first instance a call should be made to the relevant absence line. These have out-of-hours voicemail facilities.

If a child is absent and we are not informed, we do operate a first day calling system to ascertain the whereabouts of the child in question.

 

1.    Students have the right to an education

2.    Parents/Carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school.  Schools and Local Authorities have a duty to ensure that students take up this right

3.    There is a direct link between high student absence and low attainment in school.

4.    Getting students to attend school regularly and be on time is a very important skill for life beyond school.

5.    Poor attendance can potentially lead to students being isolated from their friends, risk of bullying, poor and unsettled behaviour, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

 

1.    Ensure they pack their bag the night before

2.    Ensure that their uniform is ready, especially after the holidays or weekend

3.    Get them to bed at a reasonable hour so that they get a good night’s sleep – Don’t let them take their phone to bed

4.    Set the alarm clock early enough to allow plenty of time to get ready properly

5.    Make sure they have some breakfast

6.    Remind them to set off in the car, the train, the bus, or start walking early enough so that they are not late: punctuality is important (students on school site in tutor rooms by 8.40am)

7.    Check to make sure they have everything they need – Super 6, books, PE kit, bus pass, , etc

8.    Talk to your child about what they did in school today

9.    Ensure your child has completed any homework or revised for any tests (as this can cause undue anxiety if not completed and can lead to non-attendance). Use ClassCharts to stay up to date on what homework is being set

10. If you are at all worried about your child’s attendance please contact their Tutor and/or Pastoral team as soon as possible so that we can offer support.

 

·         90% attendance equals half a day of school missed every week 

·         One school year at 90% attendance = 4 whole weeks of lessons and school work missed

·         90% attendance over 5 years of secondary school = half a school year missed 

          There is a direct correlation between low student attendance and future employment prospects

 

Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year is equal to a GCSE grade drop in achievement (Department for Education and Skills).
 

·         It is very important that your child is on the College site before 8.40am 

·         Students arriving after this time will be marked as late and given a catch up detention

·         If you are aware your child is going to be late please telephone Absence Line – 231730 (24hr answer machine)

·         If your child arrives late to school they must sign in at reception before they go to their first lesson.

 

 

The School will not routinely grant permission for leave of absence to be taken in term time and discourage parents/carers making an application for leave except in “special or exceptional circumstances”.

 

To apply for leave of absence, please print and complete the request form below.