Attendance and Punctuality at Brigantia Hill Fort Academy

 

 

Why is it important for a child to attend school?

Pupils at Brigantia Hill Fort Academy who have good attendance at school:

• have more opportunities to make friends and enjoy their social times
• can make the most of the wider curriculum experiences that develop their skills and talents
• make more progress in their learning
• are more likely to reach age-related expectations
• are more likely to be ready for their secondary experience
• are more likely to have developed a habit for good attendance for their adult and working lives

Brigantia Hill Fort Academy Attendance Policy 2025

Absence Procedure

How do I let school know my child is absent?

Parents must ring school before 9.00am if their child is unable to attend school.  If the line is busy, parents should leave a message stating their child's name and the reason for absence. This phone call is required on each day of a child's absence, unless the duration of the absence is known and has already been discussed or agreed upon. The Attendance Officer will then enter the appropriate register code onto the child's registration certificate. 

Authorised absences may include:

• Illness or medical appointments

Use the following government advice regarding your child’s illness: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/626669cb8fa8f523b7221b98/UKHSA-should-I-keep-my_child_off_school_guidance-A3-poster.pdf

• Days of religious observance
• Exceptional family circumstances

Unauthorised absences:

An 'unauthorised absence' mark indicates that the reason for absence has not been authorised by the school. 

If a child does not attend school and we do not receive a phone call to explain their absence, a member of staff will contact the family to discuss their child's absence. If we are unable to contact the family, a staff member will usually visit the family home to check on their welfare. Equally, absences without a valid reason will be marked as unauthorised.

Morning registration procedure:

• Our school gates open at 8:25am (Newman Road) and 8:30am (Fife Street). They are closed at 8:40am. 
• Morning registration is at 8:30am (Newman Road) and 8:35am (Fife Street).
• A child will receive a late mark if they arrive after these times.
• Any child arriving after the gates close should report to the school office, where the child’s name, time of arrival and reason for lateness will be noted.
• If a child arrives after 9:05am, the child receives a U mark on the register, unless there is an acceptable reason for their absence i.e. medical appointment with evidence of the appointment. 

 

How we work with families to improve attendance

• Sharing term and holiday dates with families in a timely manner so that holidays can be taken outside of term time
• Celebrating classes, year groups and individual children whose attendance has improved
• Providing regular updates and reminders about whole-school attendance in the "In the Loop" newsletter
• Discussing the Attendance Policy with new families and ensuring it is available on our school website
• Engaging in discussions about attendance with parents and carers at Parent Evenings 
• Meeting with families to offer support regarding attendance

 

We are here to help:

We know that securing good attendance for your child can come with challenges. We have a dedicated team of staff in school to support you, no matter what the barrier to attendance might be:

 

Sarah Taylor

Assistant Principal

Safeguarding Lead

Attendance Champion/Lead

 

 

 

Georgina Moran-Healy

Attendance & 

Family Liaison Officer