Laureate Community Academy is committed to providing an education of the highest quality for all its pupils and recognises this can only be achieved by supporting and promoting excellent school attendance for all.

We want all pupils to aim for 100% attendance. We set expectations of excellent attendance for all and expect pupils to be in school every day that school is open unless they are too unwell to attend. This is really important so we can give your children the best education we can, and the education that they are entitled to.

The provision of a calm, orderly, safe, and supportive school where all pupils feel that they belong, and want to be, is of paramount importance to us. We will work together with you to explore and support any child who is finding it difficult to attend school regularly.

Please take time to read the attached Attendance Policy.

When does my child need to be in school?

Your child should be at school in good time for registration. The register will be called promptly at the following times:

What happens if my child is late?

It is important that pupils arrive for school punctually to ensure a calm and purposeful start to the day and to minimise disruption to other learners. If there is something affecting your child’s arrival time at school, please talk to us and see if we can help.

A pupil who arrives late:

• Before the register has closed will be marked as late, using the appropriate code.
• After the register has closed will be marked as absent, using the appropriate code.

Pupils who arrive after the register is taken but before it closes will be counted as present, but late, and will be dealt with under the school’s policy on punctuality and lateness.

How do I report an absence?

The school must be contacted on on the main school number (01638 663927) by 9:00am on each day of a pupil’s absence, providing an update and confirming the child’s safety. There is a dedicated answer machine for reporting an absence. Please avoid using terms such as “poorly” or “sick” – tell us what symptoms your child has and when you expect them to be back at school.

If a pupil’s attendance is 95% or above, verbal confirmation of their absence will be accepted and recorded on the school management information system. However, if a pupil’s absence is below 95%, a letter must be sent or an absence form must be completed (available from reception) and returned to the office within two school weeks of the pupil returning to school. If this is not completed within this timescale, the absence will be marked as unauthorised. Absence information is shown on each child’s end of term report.

What reasons will the school accept for absences?

• Illness (see Illness Procedures)
• Emergency dental/medical appointment (please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays)
• Day of religious observance
• Family bereavement

Except in the case of illness, you should ask for permission for your child to miss school well in advance, giving full details. In cases of recurring absences through illness you may be asked to produce a medical certificate.

What is unacceptable?

The school will not authorise absence for day trips, visiting relatives, shopping, birthdays or looking after brothers or sisters, etc.

Will the school contact me if my child is absent?

The school operates a first day response to absences: we will phone you if we have not heard from you, this will be followed up with a text message. This is because we believe it is our responsibility to ensure your child’s safety as well as their regular school attendance.

If we are concerned about aspects of your child’s attendance or punctuality we will contact you to discuss the best way forward.

I am thinking about sending my child on an extended absence for an overseas trip to visit relatives. What should I do?

The school recognises that such absence can be important for children to keep in touch with their extended family. Contact your child’s class teacher as soon as possible to discuss the best time for such a visit. The school would strongly recommend that such absences do not take place during your child’s SATs month.

What can I do to encourage my child to attend school?

Make sure your child gets enough sleep and gets up in plenty of time each morning. Ensure that they leave home in the correct clothes and properly equipped. Show your child, by your interest, that you value their education. Your child should bring their home-school book and reading book home each evening. Please ensure you look at them with your child and sign it ready for the next day.

My child is trying to avoid coming to school. What should I do?

Contact your child’s class teacher immediately and openly discuss your worries. Your child could be avoiding school for a number of reasons – difficulties with school work, bullying, friendship problems, family difficulties. It is important that we identify the reason for your child’s reluctance to attend school and work together to tackle the problem.

In some cases you may find it helpful to discuss the circumstances of your child’s difficulties with an Education Welfare Officer. The school may also refer you to an Education Welfare Officer who works with staff and families if difficulties with attendance arise.