Attendance

Making the most of every opportunity

Regular attendance helps pupils establish routines, maintain relationships and build upon their learning and development.

Being in school consistently can help pupils to:

• maintain continuity in their learning;
• develop positive relationships with staff and other pupils;
• access specialist teaching and support;
• develop communication and social skills;
• participate in enrichment and wider curriculum opportunities;
• build confidence and independence; and
• make progress towards their individual outcomes and aspirations.

Even relatively short periods away from school can make it more difficult for some pupils to re-establish routines and reconnect with their learning.

Working with families

We understand that barriers to attendance can be complex, particularly for children and young people with additional needs.

Our priority is to work with families, identifying the reasons behind attendance difficulties and considering what support may help.

Where we have concerns about a pupil’s attendance, we will communicate with parents and carers and work together to identify appropriate next steps. Where necessary, we may also work alongside other professionals and services supporting the child or family.

Early communication is important. We encourage families to speak to us whenever circumstances arise that may affect their child’s attendance.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unable to attend school, parents and carers should contact Newman as soon as possible and provide the reason for their absence.

Where an absence continues, we ask families to keep the school informed so that we understand the circumstances and can provide support where appropriate.

If the school has not received an explanation for an absence, a member of staff may contact you to establish the reason your child is not in school.

Attendance & Safeguarding

Attendance is also an important part of safeguarding.

When a pupil is unexpectedly absent, it is important that we establish the reason and know that they are safe. This is why parents and carers should always inform the school promptly when their child will not be attending.

Unexplained or concerning patterns of absence will be followed up in accordance with Newman’s safeguarding and attendance procedures.

Medical Appointments

We recognise that many Newman pupils attend regular medical and specialist appointments.

Where possible, we encourage appointments to be arranged outside school hours. We appreciate, however, that this is not always possible, particularly where appointments are provided by specialist services.

Where an appointment must take place during the school day, pupils should attend school for as much of the day as reasonably possible.

Illness & Medical Needs

There will be occasions when illness or a pupil’s medical needs mean that attending school is not appropriate.

Families should inform us promptly when a child is unwell and keep us updated during longer periods of absence.

Where health needs begin to have a significant or ongoing impact on attendance, we will work with families and, where appropriate, relevant professionals to understand the circumstances and consider how the pupil can be supported.

Punctuality

Arriving on time helps pupils experience a calm and consistent start to their school day.

For many pupils, established routines and predictable transitions are particularly important. Regular lateness can interrupt these routines as well as causing pupils to miss learning and activities at the beginning of the day.

We therefore ask families to support pupils in arriving at school at the expected time wherever possible.

Supporting Good Attendance

Where attendance becomes a concern, our response begins by seeking to understand why.

Support will depend upon the individual pupil and circumstances and may involve conversations with the pupil and family, identifying barriers, agreeing appropriate actions and working with other professionals where necessary.

Our aim is to help pupils access education consistently while recognising their individual needs and circumstances.

Attendance Information & Policy

For advice about attendance, reporting an absence or support with circumstances affecting your child’s ability to attend school, please contact Newman School