Attendance
Attendance
We place great importance on attendance and punctuality to school; not just to avoid missing out on learning, but also to foster good habits for the world of work in years to come. We ask all parents and carers for their support in ensuring that their child attends school regularly and on time and all students should be at school, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. We have an expectation of a minimum of 96% attendance for every child and would also ask that parents ensure that their child arrives at school ready for period one by 8.40am.
Achieving Excellent Attendance and Punctuality
For each student there are systems within the school to monitor their attendance and punctuality on a weekly basis, with the aim, in all normal circumstances, at attendance rates of 96% or higher for each student. When a students' attendance falls below 90%, the level at which a secondary school is seen to be failing by OFSTED, the Attendance Officer will investigate and take action. Students with attendance rates of 90% and below are regarded as persistent absentees.
Absence in Term Time due to Exceptional Circumstances
Glebelands School will not authorise absence in term time unless it is for exceptional circumstances. Please be aware that unauthorised absences could mean that the parent/carer may incur a fixed penalty fine and/or prosecution by the Local Authority. For any absence due to exceptional circumstances, permission must be sought in writing from the Headteacher well in advance and before any travel is booked. The application form is available to download from the bottom of this page.
The Impact of Poor Attendance
| % Attendance | =% Absence | = Days missed | = Weeks missed | = Years missed (over 5 years of secondary education) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
100 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
90 |
10 |
19 |
4 |
½ |
|
80 |
20 |
38 |
8 |
1 |
|
70 |
30 |
57 |
12 |
1½ |
|
60 |
40 |
76 |
15 |
2 |
|
50 |
50 |
95 |
19 |
2½ |
|
40 |
60 |
114 |
23 |
3 |
|
30 |
70 |
133 |
27 |
3½ |
|
20 |
80 |
152 |
30 |
4 |
|
19 |
90 |
171 |
34 |
4½ |
Persistent lateness can also add up to a significant number of school days missed:
| 5 minutes late is | 3 days lost each year |
| 10 minutes late is | 6.5 days lost each year |
| 15 minutes late is | 10 days lost each year |
| 20 minutes late is | 13 days lost each year |
| 30 minutes late is | 19 days lost each year |
Attendance: Absence Procedures for Students
Our attendance target is a minimum of 96% for each student.
We ask parents/carers for their support in:
- Encouraging their child to attend school regularly and punctually and to appreciate the importance of good attendance.
- Making every attempt to arrange dental and medical appointments outside of school hours.
However, if you child is unable to attend school the following procedure should be followed:
- Inform the school on the first morning of any absence, indicating the cause and likely duration of the absence please call 01483 542408 by 8.45am. A truancy call will be sent upon any unknown student absence.
- To report a medical or dental appointment, please inform the school in advance wherever possible by emailing absence@glebelands.surrey.sch.uk
- Please remember to write a note in your child's journal to confirm the absence in order for the class teacher to release your child from their lesson.
- All students must sign in and out of Student Services for health and safety purposes.
Medical Absence
To report an illness, please call 01483 542408 by 8.45am. A truancy call will be sent upon any unknown student absence.
Medical or Dental Appointments
To report a medical or dental appointment, please inform the school in advance wherever possible by emailing absence@glebelands.surrey.sch.uk
Please remember to write a note in your child's journal to confirm the absence in order for the class teacher to release your child from their lesson.
All students must sign in and out of Student Services for health and safety purposes.
For more information about the school's attendance policy, please click here to take you to our Policies page and look for Attendance (Pupils) Policy (Learning Partners Academy Trust) and additional Attendance Supplementary Information.