Over the last few years there have been many discussions nationally about children attending school and the impact absence has on the child’s development and academic achievements. Some of this information is confusing and some parents never quite know what the impact of their child’s absence has on their attainment (what grades they get) and progress. This information has therefore been provided to support all parents in making the right choices about school attendance.
Facts about Attendance
95% attendance during 1 school year = ½ day missed every week!
90% attendance during 1 school year = 1 day missed every other week!
90% attendance during1 school year = 4 whole weeks of lessons missed!
90% attendance over 5 years of school = ½ a school year missed!
Research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = GCSE grade DROP in achievement. (DFE)
So what happens if your child is ill?
If your child is ill, you have a responsibility to inform the school of their illness by 8:30am each day for every day of illness. For those parents who do not contact the school, a text is sent from the Attendance team asking of the child’s whereabouts. If no response is gained, the parent will receive a phone call from our Learning Mentor, Mrs Shiel. If there has been no response, staff will make a home visit to the child that day. A child’s welfare is paramount and everybody needs to know they are safe. If at any point we have concerns regarding a child’s safety then an immediate referral is made to Children's Social Care or the Police.
A child should not return to school until they are fit and well.
What happens if your child’s attendance falls below a certain percentage?
If your child’s attendance falls below 95% our Attendance Team will monitor their attendance within school. The Attendance Team monitor and track attendance termly throughout the year. If you require any support with your child’s attendance please contact out Learning Mentor Mrs Shiel who will be happy to offer her support.
If your child’s attendance falls below 90% you will be contacted to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Persistent Absence.
Any child whose attendance falls below 90% is regarded nationally as a child who has Persistent Absence. The government is very concerned with this and has invested heavily to monitor the attendance of these children. Schools have targets to reduce the levels of persistent absence and we work closely with families to support them in getting their child to school each day. Each child and family will be given targets for attendance and these will be closely monitored by a range of agencies outside of school.
Leave of Absence during Term Time
Bradford Council has launched a new Leave of Absence E-Form to simplify the process for families requesting term-time leave such as holidays. This city-wide digital solution allows parents to submit one form for all children, regardless of which school they attend. Once submitted, the form is automatically shared with the relevant schools, enabling schools to approve or reject the request and notify parents of the outcome. This approach reduces administrative workload for schools, ensures legal compliance and improves consistency in communication with families.
This replaces the paper form that we have previously used. If you wish to request a Leave of Absence for your child, the e-form is available via Bradford Schools Online or via this link Term-Time Child/children Absence Request Form
If you need any help accessing or completing the online form, please ask at the office and we will be happy to help. Please note that email or letter requests for term time absence will not be processed and you will be directed to the online form.
New Attendance Email Address
We have set up a new email address that parents should use to share any information with us regarding your child's attendance. If your child attends a medical or dental appointment, we require a copy of the appointment letter or text. (This can be a photograph or screen shot). Please send this to our new email address attendance@thackleyschool.com
Lateness
If your child is late to school, a parent or carer must sign them in at the school office using the new inventory system and a reason for your child’s lateness. If a reason is not provided or if your child arrives after the register has closed an unauthorised absent mark will be given.
Dentist Appointment
Unless your child is receiving extensive dental treatment, all dentist appointments should be made out of the school day. Dentist appointments during the school day will not be authorised.
Attend and Achieve!
If a school can improve attendance by 1%, they will see a 5-6% improvement in attainment. (DFE)
Please help us and your child by ensuring their attendance remains above 95%, allowing them to achieve their potential.
Lateness
If your child is late to school, a parent or carer must sign them in at the school office using the new inventory system and a reason for your child’s lateness. If a reason is not provided or if your child arrives after the register has closed an unauthorised absent mark will be given.
Dentist Appointment
Unless your child is receiving extensive dental treatment, all dentist appointments should be made out of the school day. Dentist appointments during the school day will not be authorised.
Attend and Achieve!
If a school can improve attendance by 1%, they will see a 5-6% improvement in attainment. (DFE)
Please help us and your child by ensuring their attendance remains above 95%, allowing them to achieve their potential.