Attendance and Punctuality

High levels of attendance are crucial for academic success. Poor attendance can also pose risks to the safety and well-being of students. We are committed to working in partnership with parents to help every child achieve excellent attendance.

 

Why Is School Attendance and Punctuality So Important?

1. Academic Achievement
   Each lesson missed represents an opportunity for learning. While students can catch up on homework or self-study, the in-class experience—teacher explanations, peer discussions, and immediate support—cannot be replicated. Missing lessons leads to gaps in learning, which can be challenging to fill as the year progresses.
2. Building Strong Foundations
   Regular attendance is especially important in secondary school, where students prepare for exams, coursework deadlines, and future academic opportunities. Missing lessons can hinder their understanding of key subjects, affecting their ability to tackle more complex topics.
3. Social and Emotional Growth
   School isn’t just about academics; it’s where students develop important social skills, build friendships, and learn teamwork. Students who attend regularly are more likely to feel connected to their peers and the school community, enhancing their emotional well-being.
4. Preparation for the Future
   Good attendance helps students build essential habits such as responsibility, discipline, and time management—skills that are vital for both higher education and future careers.
    

 

Arrival at School

Students should arrive by 8:50am via the Refectory Entrance. Students arriving after 8:50am without a valid reason will be marked as late. They will be asked to wait in the Refectory under the supervision of a senior staff member and will be set a 20-minute lunchtime detention on the same day.

At 9:15am, the Refectory entrance closes. Students arriving after this time should enter via the Bridge Reception. Any students entering in this manner without a valid reason will also receive a lunchtime detention. Please note that the register closes at 9:25am, and lateness after this time may be recorded as unauthorised absence. For more details, please refer to our attendance policy.

The Attendance and Family Liaison Officer will investigate reasons for lateness and contact families if necessary.
 

Lateness to Lessons

The movement bells (listed above) ensure students have sufficient time to move between lessons. If a student arrives after the bell for a lesson without a valid reason, they will be marked as late. The number of minutes late will be logged, and a 20-minute lunchtime detention will be set for the following day.

 

 

Planned Absence

For planned absences (e.g. dental appointments, hospital visits), please notify the Attendance and Family Liaison Officer with at least one day's notice. We encourage parents to schedule appointments outside of school hours, wherever possible. If an appointment falls during school hours, evidence (such as an appointment card or letter) must be provided to authorise the absence as medical. Students should attend all periods before and after the appointment, including morning registration.
 

Holidays During School Time

Holidays taken during term time significantly affect a student's learning and progress. Therefore, our policy is not to authorise holidays during term time, except in the most exceptional circumstances. Exceptional reasons include rare, significant, unavoidable, and short events.

If a student is taken out of school for a holiday without authorisation, we may request the Local Authority to issue a Penalty Notice. Requests for leave should be made in writing and directed to the Assistant Head Teacher - Attendance and Inclusion or the Attendance and Family Liaison Officer. All applications must be made in advance.
 

Unacceptable Absence/Punctuality

We will not authorise absences for the following reasons, and unauthorised absences may result in a warning letter or Penalty Notice:

• Truancy
• Minding the house or staying in for repairs
• Shopping
• Attending sports events or concerts
• Family holidays
• Doing homework
• Helping with family business
• Birthdays
• School uniform issues
• Looking after siblings
• Oversleeping
   

Unexpected Absence

If your child is absent, you must inform the Attendance and Family Liaison Officer before 8:30am on each day of absence using one of the following methods:

• Email: absence@southwolds.uk
• Phone: 0115 9373506, select option 2

If no contact is made, the absence will be marked as unauthorised, and you will be contacted by text, email, or phone.

For absences lasting 3 days or more, medical evidence (e.g., a doctor’s note, appointment card, or prescription) will be required to authorise the absence. Without evidence, the absence will be marked as unauthorised, and this may lead to a penalty notice.

For more information about common ailments and when to keep young people at home due to illness, visit the https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
 

Rewards

Students with excellent attendance will receive awards at assemblies and achievement ceremonies. They will also earn achievement points for each week their attendance is 100%.
 

Where Can I Get Help?

Our aim is always to support families to ensure high levels of attendance. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the Attendance and Family Liaison Officer on extension 175, who will be happy to assist.
 

Contact Information:

Claire Till
Attendance and Family Liaison Officer
Email: ctill@southwolds.uk

Oliver Askham
Assistant Head Teacher - Attendance and Inclusion
Email: oaskham@southwolds.uk