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ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1

Register Codes ..................................................................................................................... 2

Categorising absence ............................................................................................................ 3

Class registers ...................................................................................................................... 4

Collection and analysis of data .............................................................................................. 4

Systems and strategies for managing and improving attendance .......................................... 4

First-day calling ..................................................................................................................... 4

School Strategies to Tackle Absence .................................................................................... 5

Lateness and punctuality ....................................................................................................... 5

Post-registration truancy........................................................................................................ 6

Absence Request (Term-time Holidays) ................................................................................ 6

Intervention Strategies for Poor Attenders ............................................................................. 7

Referral to the Education Attendance Service ....................................................................... 8

Parents’ / carers’ responsibilities ......................................................................................... 10

Pupil responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 11

Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 11

A Guide for Parents ............................................................................................................. 12

A Guide for Pupils / Pupils ................................................................................................... 14

Correspondence Letters ...................................................................................................... 15

1

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Introduction Northgate High School 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. There is clear evidence from educational research to show the link between school attendance and educational achievement. Pupils with high levels of attendance achieve consistently higher results then those whose attendance is low. At Northgate High School we believe that every pupil has a fundamental right to a full education and that parent, carers and teachers have a duty to ensure, as far as practicable and possible, the maximum attendance of Pupils at school throughout the day.

Registration The school is required to mark the attendance register twice each day; once at the start of the day and once during the afternoon session. Form Tutors (a.m.) and Classroom Teachers (p.m.) are responsible for completing the attendance registers using the prescribed codes (shown overleaf). Morning registration starts at 8.45am and closes at 9.00 am where if the pupils arrive after 8.45am they will receive a late mark. Pupils who arrive before the register closes will be counted as present but will be dealt with under the school’s policy on punctuality and lateness. If a pupil arrives into school during Period 1 and has not registered they are to sign in at Reception. A letter or phone call will be made for any pupil who signs in Late without good reason. Afternoon registration will begin at 1:55 pm and finish at 2.00 pm. Should the Pupil arrive after 2:00 pm they will receive a late mark. If a Pupil receives a late mark they will be put into a lunch detention by their Class teacher, Form teacher or the Attendance Officer.

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Register Codes

CODE DESCRIPTION MEANING

/ Present (AM) Present

\ Present (PM) Present

B Educated off site (NOT Dual Approved Education Activity

registration)

C Other Authorised Circumstances Authorised absence

(not covered by another appropriate code/description)

D Dual registration (i.e. pupil Approved Education Activity

attending other establishment)

E Excluded (no alternative Authorised absence

provision made)

F Extended family holiday (agreed) Authorised absence

G Family holiday (NOT agreed or Unauthorised absence

days in excess of agreement)

H Family holiday (agreed) Authorised absence

I Illness (NOT medical or dental Authorised absence

etc. appointments)

J Interview Approved Education Activity

L Late (before registers closed) Present

M Medical/Dental appointments Authorised absence

N No reason yet provided for Unauthorised absence

absence

O Unauthorised absence (not Unauthorised absence

covered by any other code/description)

P Approved sporting activity Approved Education Activity

R Religious observance Authorised absence

S Study leave Authorised absence

T Traveller absence Authorised absence

U Late (after registers closed) Unauthorised absence

V Educational visit or trip Approved Education Activity

W Work experience Approved Education Activity

X Non-compulsory school age Not counted in possible

absence attendances

Y Enforced closure Not counted in possible

attendances

Z Pupil not yet on roll Not counted in possible

attendances

# School closed to pupils Not counted in possible

attendances

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Categorising absence A mark will be made in respect of each child during registration. Any child who is not present at this time will be marked unauthorised absence unless leave has been granted by the school in advance or the reason for absence is already known and accepted by the school as legitimate.

Where a reason for absence is given and accepted by the school at a later stage, the register will be amended in such a way that the original entry and the amendment / correction are distinguishable. The decision about whether the absence should be authorised or unauthorised rests with the Attendance Office.

If absence is frequent or continuous staff at Northgate High School may challenge parents about the need and reasons for their child’s absence and will encourage them to keep absences to a minimum. A note or explanation from a pupil’s home does not mean an absence becomes authorised. The decision whether or not to authorise an absence will always rest with the school.

If no explanation about an absence is received by the school within 2 weeks, the absence will remain unauthorised. Absence will be authorised in the following circumstances:

where leave has been granted by the school in advance, for example –

a pupil is to participate in an approved performance for which a licence has been granted by the Local Authority,

a pupil is involved in an exceptional special occasion – in authorising such an

absence the individual circumstances of the particular case and the Pupil’s overall pattern of attendance will be considered,

in exceptional circumstances, permission has been granted for a family holiday

for which the parents have sought permission in advance (see para 5 for the school’s policy on absence requests);

where the school is satisfied that the child is too ill to attend, although persistent ill health may be challenged and medical evidence required.

where the pupil has a medical appointment (although parents should be encouraged to make these out of school hours wherever possible), and to return their child to school immediately afterwards – or send him / her to school beforehand;

where there is an unavoidable cause for the absence which is beyond the family’s control, e.g. extreme weather conditions;

the absence occurs on a day exclusively set aside for religious observance by the religious body to which the pupil’s parents belong;

in other exceptional circumstances (e.g. family bereavement) and for very limited period.

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Except in the circumstances described above, absences will be unauthorised. Some examples of reasons for not authorising absence would be:

no explanation has been given by the parent;

the school is not satisfied with the explanation;

the pupil is staying at home to mind the house;

the pupil is shopping during school hours;

the pupil is absent for unexceptional reasons, e.g. a birthday;

the pupil is absent from school on a family holiday without prior permission;

the pupil has been stopped during a truancy sweep and is unable (or the parent is unable) to give a satisfactory reason for the absence.

Class registers Class registers will be completed in order to track pupils’ whereabouts throughout the day and deal with any truancy that occurs after morning or afternoon registration and to ensure the safety of Pupils. Subject teachers will take a register at the beginning of every lesson to record absence and lateness. Any sudden absences that occur during the day will be picked up by the Attendance Officer.

Collection and analysis of data All attendance data will be complete, accurate, analysed and reported to the senior leadership team, parents and the governing body. The report will include commentary on the trajectory and the school target. The data will inform the school’s future practice to improve attendance and prevent disaffection.

Systems and strategies for managing and improving attendance Attendance has a very high profile at Northgate High School and is regularly discussed at assemblies and in tutor groups. Parents are regularly reminded in newsletters and school meetings about the importance of good attendance and its links to attainment.

First-day calling Northgate High School has a first-day calling/contact system in place. This means that parents will initially be contacted by Text or e-mail as a reminder to contact the attendance office, if no response is received parents/carers will be telephoned to establish a reason for the absence. This helps to identify pupils at an early stage who may not have a good reason for absence or who may be absent without their parents’ knowledge. Where it is not possible to make contact with parents on the first day of absence, the school will continue to try and establish contact and if there is no response, a letter will be sent.

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School Strategies to Tackle Absence

The Attendance Officer is responsible for the school management of Attendance, Policy and

Systems to ensure that Northgate High School intervenes in non-attendance at an early stage.

Intervention strategies for poor attenders at Northgate High School involves weekly identification of pupils whose attendance falls below 95% at which stage a letter will be sent to parent/carer informing them of their child’s current level of attendance. If after the first half term a Pupil’s attendance falls below 92% a further letter will be sent that will ask for medical evidence to be provided before any future absence can be authorised. Where there is an emerging pattern to a pupil’s absence over a 3 to 4 week period (or sooner if staff are particularly concerned), with or without explanation, the school will invite parents/carers to a meeting to discuss the reasons for the absences. The school will work with parents/carers and pupils to help resolve any difficulties and improve the attendance within a specified time limit – usually no more than 6 weeks. Where a pupil’s attendance is below 90% and the absences are not authorised the school may well choose to use the Fast Track to Prosecution Framework. This is where a pupil has 6 weeks to improve his/her attendance and if this does not happen the result will be a possible prosecution for parents via the courts. This process involves formal meetings between parents, pupils, and the School EWO. At this meeting it will be explained to parents that any future absences will be unauthorised unless there is clear evidence of a good reason for them, Northgate High School also chooses to use a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for unauthorised absences such as holidays in term times or lack of medical evidence in instances of continued illness.

Lateness and punctuality

Pupils are expected to arrive at school, and be in the correct room for registration, on time every day. It is

very disruptive to their own education and that of others in their class, if they are late. Pupils who arrive

after the register closes will be marked absent for the whole session (a session being a morning or an

afternoon).

This absence will be unauthorised unless the school is satisfied that there is a legitimate reason for the

pupil to be late. Such a reason will not include things such as missing the bus, clothes in the washing

machine or lost shoes. A pupil who is persistently absent by reason of lateness will be dealt with in the

same way as other Pupils with an emerging pattern of absence If the matter is not resolved quickly, it will

be referred to the Education Attendance Service.

For health and safety reasons it is important that the school knows who is in the building. Pupils arriving late should therefore report to reception and sign in. It is important that all pupils arriving late follow this procedure.

For the same reason it is important that Pupils leaving the premises legitimately (eg for a medical appointment), or returning to school later in the day should sign out at the reception. All pupils signing out at reception for legitimate reason will need to have a signed note in their planners or a medical appointment card or letter. No Pupil will be allowed to leave the school premises without previous permission from a parent/carer.

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Post-registration truancy

Post-registration truancy occurs when a pupil goes missing from school having previously registered for the session. This behaviour not only means the Pupil will not be receiving a full-time education, it also potentially renders him/her vulnerable to harm.

Northgate High School takes this very seriously and will endeavour to ensure it does not happen. If, however, a Pupil appears to have left the premises without authorisation, the school will try to make contact with his/her parents immediately. All instances of truancy will be followed up using the school behaviour framework.

Absence Request (Term-time Holidays) Only in rare and exceptional circumstances will an absence request be granted. In such cases consideration will be given to cultural needs and family circumstances. In all cases parents will be required to justify why the absence needs to be taken. Northgate High School will consider every application individually; our policy is NOT to grant leave of absence for a holiday other than in the most exceptional circumstances. Time off school for family holidays is not a right. An application must be made in writing, with appropriate evidence, in advance of the intended holiday. Northgate High School chooses to use a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for unauthorised absences such as holidays in term times. Northgate High School will NOT authorise a holiday during periods of GCSE or A level examinations.

Northgate High School will respond to all requests for a leave of absence in writing giving the

reasons for the decision.

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Northgate Intervention Strategies for Poor Attenders

Weekly identification of pupils with attendance between 90% - 95% and those below 90%.

Pupil attendance is then logged Electronically stating current percentage on school database.

A letter will be sent to the parent/carer of all pupils with attendance below 95% informing them of their child’s current level of attendance.

If attendance improves above 95% no further action will be taken, but attendance will continue to be monitored.

If, after the first half term, attendance does not improve and falls below 93%, a further letter will be sent to the parent/carer requesting medical evidence before any future absence can be authorised.

If attendance does not improve

quickly the Attendance Officer will initiate a meeting with parent/carer.

If attendance continues to drop below 90% further interventions such as referral to the education welfare officer or a Fixed Penalty Notice may be issued.

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Referral to the Education Attendance Service Northgate may refer a pupil to the Education Attendance Service (EAS) if a pupil is regularly absent from school (Attendance Below 90%), and fails to provide adequate reasons and/or medical evidence for continued illness.

Education Penalty Notices Education Penalty Notices were introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. They are fixed penalty notices aimed at reducing the levels of unauthorised absence from schools.

Education Penalty Notices are fixed penalty fines which are issued to parents/carers in

relation to unauthorised absences of their children from school. The Local Authority, schools or the Police can issue them.

Education Penalty Notices impose a fine of £60 if paid within 21 days, increasing to £120

between 21 and 28 days for each parent with responsibility of the day-to-day care of the

child concerned.

When will Education Penalty Notices be issued?

Unauthorised holidays in term time.

Parentally condoned absence where the parent is deemed capable but unwilling to

address attendance problems (e.g. a failure to engage with support measures).

A parent continually fails to provide an explanation for a pupil’s absence in accordance

with the school’s procedures.

The Pupil has a record of unauthorised absences which appear to have been

avoidable.

A pattern of poor attendance develops during a pupil’s final year of compulsory

education. On completion of a satisfactory investigation following a truancy sweep.

There is persistent late arrival after the school register has closed. This is not an exhaustive list and each case will be considered individually.

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Procedure for Education Penalty Notices The Education Penalty Notice system can be used where unauthorised absences have been recorded against a pupil.

Usually, other than for unauthorised holidays, a letter will have been sent or a telephone call

made to establish reasons for the absence. If these have not been given, or the school is not

satisfied by the reason, or the required medical evidence has not been provided, then a letter

will be sent to indicate we will be pursuing a Fixed Penalty Notice.

In certain circumstances, including where the six sessions of absence comprise unauthorised

holidays in term time, an Education Penalty Notice can be issued without a Formal Warning

having been issued previously.

An Education Penalty Notice will also be issued without a formal warning if a formal Warning

has already been issued to the parent/carer within the previous twelve months.

Any Formal Warnings or Education Penalty Notices will be sent to each parent/carer

by post to their usual or last known address.

The fine imposed by the Education Penalty Notice is £60 provided payment is made within 21

days. If payment is made between 21 and 28 days, the fine increases to £120.

Non-payment of Education Penalty Notices

If payment in full is not received in 42 days, the parent/carer will be prosecuted under s444(1)

Education Act 1996 for failing to ensure the regular school attendance of a registered Pupil of

compulsory school age.

Withdrawal of Education Penalty Notices

Education Penalty Notices can be withdrawn in certain circumstances. If a parent/carer receives an

Education Penalty Notice and believes that it should not have been issued, they should follow the

procedure for applying for withdrawal of the notice without delay. Detailed information about how to

follow this procedure is provided in the explanatory notes accompanying the Education Penalty Notice.

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Parents’ / carers’ responsibilities The prime responsibility for ensuring children receive an appropriate and full-time education rests with

parents / carers (defined by the Education Act 1996 as those with parental responsibility and those who have the care of a child), who will be supported and encouraged by Northgate High School.

Northgate High School expects parents / carers will:

ensure their children attend the school regularly. It is a legal requirement that all pupils attend both AM and PM registration every day.

support their children’s attendance by keeping requests for absence to a minimum.

Making medical and dental appointment out of school time unless there is a medical emergency.

not expect the school to automatically agree any requests for absence, and not condone

unjustified absence from school. Parents will also be expected to:

notify Northgate High School on the first day of absence to inform us of the reasons for their child’s absence and keep us informed daily until their return on the Absence Line: 01473 210123.

ensure their children arrive at school on time, properly dressed and with the right

equipment for the day;

work in partnership with the school, for example by attending parents’ meetings and consultations, signing homework diaries when asked to do so, taking an interest in their children’s work and activities;

contact the school without delay if they are concerned about any aspects of their

children’s school lives.

Contact the attendance office if they have difficulty with their child’s attendance. Northgate High School will endeavour to support parents to address their concerns.

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Pupil responsibilities All pupils should be aware of the importance of regular school attendance. If they are having difficulties that may prevent them from attending school regularly, they should speak to their Progress Director, Pastoral Officer or Form Tutor.

Pupils should attend all their lessons on time, and be ready to learn. If they have been absent from school, they should give their class teacher or form tutor a note from their parents to explain the absence. Pupils also have a responsibility for following school procedures if they arrive late.

Conclusion

Going to school regularly is important for your child's future. Parents are responsible for making sure

their children receive full-time education. Talking to your child and their teachers could help solve any

problems if your child does not want to go to school.

Regular school attendance is a necessary contributor to ensure that the school are able to support your child’s emotional and social health and development. As well as promoting the safety and welfare of pupils, the best way to safeguard children is to ensure they attend school regularly. Pupils who achieve good school attendance are more likely to reach their maximum potential and go on to achieve their future aspirations, through showing potential employers that your child is reliable, which in turn helps to support a prosperous and fulfilling lifestyle.

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A Guide for Parents

1. When does my child need to be in school?

Your child should be at school in good time for registration. The morning register will be called promptly at 8.45 am and the afternoon register at 1.55 pm.

2. What happens if my child is late?

Registration finishes at 9.00 am in the morning and 2.00 pm in the afternoon. If

your child arrives between 8.45 am and 9:30 am he/she will be marked late.

If your child arrives after 9:30 am he/she will be marked with an unauthorised late.

If your child arrives for period 4 after 2pm he/she will be marked late.

If your child arrives after 1.10 pm he/she will be marked absent.

(If your child has a valid reason for their lateness, e.g. medical appointment please write a note on the corresponding day in their planner. Pupils who arrive after registration should report to Reception, and sign in. If a pupil is late a lunch time detention will be issued)

3. Does the school need letters explaining my child’s absence or will a phone call do?

We would expect a parent to telephone the school on each day of absence. If you do not phone us, we will phone or text you.

4. What reasons will the school accept for absences?

o Illness

o Emergency dental / medical appointment (please make routine appointments after school or during the holidays)

o Day of religious observance

o Family bereavement

o Attending an interview for a job, college, university, etc

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.

5. Is there any time I CAN take my child out of school in term time?

Schools used to have the discretion to allow up to 10 days’ term-time holiday each year in

‘special circumstances’. The rules were tightened in Sept 2013 – now headteachers at state

schools in England can only give permission for term-time absences in ‘’exceptional

circumstances’’.

These could include visiting seriously ill family, attending a close family funeral. The Department of Education says you are ‘unlikely’ to get permission simply for family holidays. Northgate chooses to use a Fixed Penalty Notice for unauthorised holidays in term time.

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6. Will the School contact me if my child is absent?

The school operates a first day response to absences: we will endeavour to phone you if we have not heard from you. 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.

7. 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 Progress director 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 GCSE course (Years 10 and 11) examinations. You need to complete an application form for extended leave of absence and if the headteacher then approves the visit, the school will set work for your child to complete while away.

8. 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 he/she leaves home in the correct clothes and properly equipped. Show your child, by your interest, that you value his / her education. Your child will bring home a school planner each evening. Please ensure you look at it with your child and sign it each week.

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

Contact your child’s Form Tutor, Pastoral Officer or Progress Director 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.

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A Guide for Pupils / Students

1. Attending regularly and on time

Regular attendance will help you make the most of the opportunities here at Northgate High School. It will help you:

o keep up with your school work and get the best results you can;

o get a job – employers like people who are reliable.

Remember, your attendance at school is shown in all your school reports which employers often wish to see.

2. Absences

Acceptable reasons for absences include:

o illness

o emergency dental / medical appointments (please make routine appointments after

school or during the holidays)

o day of religious observance

o family bereavement

o attending an interview for a job, college, university, etc.

Looking after your brothers and sisters, birthdays, general trips such as shopping and helping at those are NOT reasons to be absent from school.

You will also need a note from your parents to explain ALL absences from school. You will also need a note if you arrive at school after 9.05 am in the morning. If you do not bring a note, or the explanation on the note is unsatisfactory, the absence will count as unauthorised and will be shown on your end of year report.

3. Need help?

Problems with your school work? Are you being bullied? Are your friends giving you a hard time? Are things difficult at school? Are things difficult at home?

You may feel that missing school is the answer. It is not – it may even make things worse. TALK TO SOMEONE – your Progress director, Form Tutor, another member of staff, your parents. We will do everything we can to help you get over the problem.

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Correspondence Letters

«address_block» «date_of_printing» Dear «salutation» There appear to be some sessions where «forename» was absent from school on the dates shown below, where we have not been informed of a reason.

«periods_of_absence»

Having recently tried to contact you regarding your «son_daughter»'s absence from school I was unable to do so as the contact numbers provided no longer appear to be in use. It is vital that we have current contact numbers for use in an emergency or in this case to request information about absence. Please contact me as soon as possible with reasons for the recent absence/s and to update our records with your new phone details. Following our recent audit, and in accordance with the Education Welfare Officer’s instructions a nil return, two weeks from the date of this letter, will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised. To avoid receiving letters in the future please remember to report any absences on the Pupil Absence Hotline 01473 210123 selecting the ‘Attendance Officer’ option, before 8.45am on the day of any unplanned absence e.g. illness. Advance absences for Doctor/Dentist appointments can also be left in this way. Please also remind your child that should they miss a registration, for what ever reason, to sign in with the Attendance Officer or Reception. Thank you for your support in this matter. Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer ……………………………………………………………………………… Return to: Miss J Hyland – Attendance Officer Pupil Name: «forename» «surname» Form: «year_reg» Date(s) of Absence: «periods_of_absence»

Reason for Absence: New Contact Details:

Signed: _______________________________ Parent/Carer

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«salutation» «address_block» «date_of_printing» Ref: «forename» «surname», «reg» Dear «salutation» According to school attendance records «forename» was late to registration a total of «total_lates_both» times this term. Arriving late to a lesson is very disruptive for the whole group as the teacher is required to repeat instructions given earlier. Pupils who miss morning or afternoon registration must sign in with me or at the main office. For the safety of all pupils accurate registers are essential. When a Pupil arrives more than 30 minutes late, with no valid reason, they are marked as unauthorised absence for that morning/afternoon session in accordance with Pupil Registration Regulations. As I’m sure you can appreciate poor punctuality does not reflect well when attendance references are requested. I would therefore ask you to impress upon «forename» the importance of arriving to school and registration on time. If a child is late they will do a 20 minute lunch time detention the same day. However if «chosen_forename»’s punctuality does not improve they may be referred to the education welfare officer. Your continued support in this matter is much appreciated and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer

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«salutation»

«address_block»

23 July 2018

Dear «salutation»

«chosen_forename» «surname», «reg»: Term Time Absence

There is a clear link between a pupil’s attainment and progress, and their attendance at school.

Research has shown that if a pupil attends school for less than 95% of a school year this can

result in under-performance at GCSE by at least one Grade. «chosen_forename» currently

falls into this category with an attendance figure of «percentage_attendance»%.

Our aim at Northgate is to ensure that every pupil achieves the best possible education and

strives to reach their full potential. This is only possible if they are in school and actively

engaged in the learning process.

The school may ask for evidence to be provided in support of a pupil’s absence where no

medical/health issues are currently on file. Pupils with less than 90% attendance may be

referred to the Education Welfare Officer who may arrange a home visit to discuss the reasons

for absence and ways to improve attendance.

We realise how important the attendance of your child is to you and know that you would only keep them off school when it is absolutely necessary. Please also ensure that you continue to follow the standard procedure of telephoning the school absence line (01473 210123) on every day of absence and provide a note in your child’s planner for their Form Tutor.

If there are any problems with regard to «chosen_forename»’s health or attendance at school I

would be grateful if you would contact me to discuss the matter so we can work together to

resolve any issues.

Please contact me if you have any queries regarding this letter. I look forward to your continued

support in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland

Attendance Officer

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«addressee» «address_block» «date_of_printing» Ref: «forename» «surname», «reg» Dear «salutation», I am pleased to be writing to you in respect of «forename»’s attendance which has shown a positive improvement to «percentage_attendance»% . This is an important step in improving «forename»’s academic outcomes and developing a positive attitude around the importance of good attendance. I hope you will continue to support the school and «forename» with this improvement. Thanking you for your co-operation, Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer

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«salutation» «address_block» 23 July 2018 «forename» «surname», «reg» Dear «salutation» I am concerned about the frequency of absences that «forename» has had from school. There have been many occasions when «forename» has been off school which are highlighted on the attached registration certificate. Although they have been accounted for by telephone call and/or notes it is unusual for a child to have so much illness over this space of time. The target for attendance is 96% but «forename»’s attendance is «percentage_attendance»%. Unfortunately I can no longer authorise any more absence without medical evidence. Medical evidence can take the form of:

Copies of prescriptions Hospital discharge letter Note from doctor or practice nurse Medical certificate Medicinal packaging with date Medical appointment cards

Following any future absence, please also provide a note in your child’s Planner to show their Form Tutor as well as appropriate medical evidence. Any medical evidence provided will be stored in your child’s Pupil file. Please also ensure that you continue to follow the standard procedure of telephoning the school absence line (01473 210123) before 9am on every day of abcence. We realise how important the attendance of your child is to you and know that you would only keep them off school when it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, we must ask that all further absence is supported by medical evidence as stated above. If the level of attendance continues to falls below 90% it is likely that Northgate will involve the Local Authority or Education Welfare Officer and a Fixed Penalty Fine may be issued. If there are any problems with regard to «forename»’s health, or attendance at school, I would be grateful if you would contact «his_her» Progress director to discuss the matter so we can work together to resolve any issues. It is vital for «forename»’s success in school to attend regularly. Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer

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«salutation» «address_block» «date_of_printing» Dear «salutation» There appear to be some sessions where «forename» was absent from school on the dates shown below, where we have not been informed of a reason.

«periods_of_absence»

Kindly provide a reason for this absence by return. In accordance with the Education Welfare Officer’s instructions a nil return, two weeks from the date of this letter, will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised. With effect from 1st September 2014, the Education Attendance Service on behalf of Suffolk County Council will be issuing fixed penalty notice fines when unauthorised absences are recorded. To avoid receiving letters in the future please remember to report any absences on the Pupil Absence Hotline 01473 210123 selecting the ‘Attendance Officer’ option, before 8.45am on the day of any unplanned absence e.g. illness. Advance absences for Doctor/Dentist appointments can also be left in this way. Please also remind your child that should they miss a registration, for whatever reason, to sign in with the Attendance Officer or Reception. Thank you for your support in this matter. Yours sincerely

Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer ……………………………………………………………………………… Return to: Miss J Hyland – Attendance Officer Pupil Name: «forename» «surname» Form: «year_reg» Date(s) of Absence: «periods_of_absence»

Reason for Absence:

Signed: _______________________________ Parent/Carer

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«salutation» «address_block» 23 July 2018 «forename» «surname», «reg» Dear «salutation» After reviewing your child’s attendance certificate, I am writing to invite you to a meeting at school to discuss the reasons for «forename»’s absence from school. I have arranged to meet at the following time: Date: Time: Venue: The meeting is to discuss with you any additional support, or other educational provision, that we might be able to put in place to help support your child’s attendance going forward. To this end, it would be helpful if you could bring any medical evidence relating to «forename»’s absence – this might be a letter from your GP or a Consultant, a Primary Mental Health Worker letter, or other documents related to medical appointments and/or treatments. Please complete the attached reply slip confirming that you are able to attend this meeting and post it in the post box in the school’s reception. If you are unable to attend at this time, please call as soon as possible to arrange a mutually convenient time. It is important that we meet so that we can work together to improve «forename»’s attendance; further absence could lead to a referral to the Educational Welfare Officer. Yours sincerely Miss J Hyland Attendance Officer cc. Mr T Quinton – Educational Welfare Officer -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attendance Meeting – reply slip to be returned to Miss J Hyland, Northgate High School Name of Pupil: Form: Date of meeting: Time of meeting: I/We can/cannot attend the above meeting (please delete as appropriate) Signed………………………………………………………………………..(Parent/Carer) Date………………………….. Print Name ………………………………………………………………..

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Medical Panel Meeting Name of Pupil: Year Group: Date: Who was present:

Concerns What is going well?

What needs to happen for attendance to improve?

What do the parents want/need?

Agreed Action

Date of possible review meeting : Copy to: Mr Tony Quinton – EWO Pastoral team