Attendance

We seek to ensure that all students receive a full-time education, maximising the opportunities for all to realise their true potential. All school staff will work, with students and their families, to support them in meeting their legal duty to ensure that their children achieve maximum possible attendance; and that any problems which may impede full attendance are acted upon quickly.

Every lesson matters. Attendance drives attainment, wellbeing and future opportunity. Our expectation is clear: students attend school every day, on time, unless there is an unavoidable reason.

Our attendance target is 97%+. Students below 90% are classified as Persistently Absent under national guidance. Early action prevents long-term impact.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is important to ensure students achieve their potential.

Students with strong attendance make stronger progress, build positive relationships and develop habits that prepare them for employment and further study. Missing just one day per fortnight equates to four weeks of lost learning across a school year. Small gaps quickly become significant barriers.

Expectations

Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly. We expect:

  • Attendance every day unless genuinely unwell
  • Arrival before the start of the school day
  • Immediate communication with school on the first day of absence
  • Medical evidence where appropriate
  • No holidays during term time

Frequently Asked Questions…

Please call the school absence line no later than 8.30am, 0151 722 1561 (Option 1), leaving a message stating your child’s name, tutor group and a brief explanation of the nature of the illness. A call is requested for every day of absence unless you have spoken directly with the Attendance Officer and a return date has been agreed.

You will be asked to provide medical evidence if your child’s attendance is below 95% or absence is longer than 3 consecutive days.

We cannot assume that a student is unwell just because they were off school the previous day. If you believe an absence due to illness may be prolonged, please contact us so that we can make arrangements to avoid you calling daily.

Send your child to school with a note stating the reason they need to leave school and the time you wish to collect them. The note should be handed in at Reception.

In the first instance, please call us, 0151 722 1561. However, it is not always possible to locate students straight away, for example during lunch or break times.

Leave of absence will only be granted in Exceptional Circumstances, and can only be authorised by the Headteacher. Exceptional Circumstances are defined as ‘one-off’ occasions where a request for leave of absence is unavoidable and does not cover annually occurring family holiday. Please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the Attendance Officer and submit no later than two weeks prior to the start of the leave. In order for the Headteacher to reach an informed decision, please include as much detail as possible to explain why Exceptional Circumstances apply.

Attendance Contact Details:

Mrs D Murphy – Attendance Officer: 0151 722 1561 (0ption 1)

Ms K Magee – Attendance Manager: 0151 722 1561 (0ption 1)

Education Welfare Officer: 0151 233 3916

Reporting An Absence

To ensure your child’s absence is recorded and safeguards are met, please:

  • Telephone the Attendance Line before 8.30am on each day of absence

  • Provide a clear reason for absence

  • Confirm expected date of return

If we do not receive a reason, we will contact you on the same day. Unexplained absences are recorded as unauthorised.

Did you know?

Our expectation and whole school mantra for attendance is “No days off”.

Exceptional attendance can make a big difference to your child’s learning and outcomes.

Please be aware that we will question and challenge attendance if your child equates more than 5 days absence during the academic year.

If your child’s attendance falls to 19 days absence, that’s the equivalent of 90% attendance to school in a year, which is 120 important lessons missed.

19 days absence is classified as “persistent absenteeism”, which equates to half a year of schooling missed over 5 years, and that is a lot of catching up!

Medical Appointments

Appointments should be arranged outside of school hours wherever possible. Where this is not feasible, students should attend before and/or after the appointment. Evidence of the appointment may be requested.

Is My Child Too Ill for School?

Many minor illnesses do not require absence. Parents are encouraged to consult NHS guidance: “Is my child too ill for school?”. When in doubt, contact school for advice.

Leave Of Absence

Leave of absence during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays do not meet this threshold. Requests must be submitted in advance using the Leave of Absence Form. Unauthorised leave may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice in line with Local Authority procedures.

How We Monitor and Support Attendance

Attendance is monitored daily by our Attendance Team and overseen by our Senior Attendance Champion. We operate a staged response:

Stage 1: Early Contact – phone call and attendance reminder

Stage 2: Attendance Meeting – discussion of barriers and support plan

Stage 3: Formal Monitoring – targets set and review period

Stage 4: Referral to Local Authority where required

Our approach is supportive and proactive. We work with families to remove barriers including medical needs, anxiety, transport or family circumstances. Early communication leads to faster solutions.

Persistent and Severe Absence

Students whose attendance falls below 90% are classified as Persistently Absent. Below 50% is classed as Severe Absence. These thresholds trigger intensified support and may involve external agencies.

We will always prioritise engagement and improvement. Where support is not successful, statutory processes may follow.

How We Communicate With You

Parents receive regular updates on their child’s attendance via reports and direct communication. Where attendance falls below expected levels, we will contact you promptly to agree next steps.

Working together, we ensure every student is present, prepared and positioned to succeed.