Attendance

 

We seek to ensure that all of our pupils receive a full-time education, maximising opportunities for them to realise their full potential. The school strives to provide a welcoming, caring environment, where each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. School staff work with pupils and their families to ensure that each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

We fully understand that many of our pupils may find 100% attendance challenging. We support pupils and parents where there may be barriers to attendance and punctuality.

To meet these objectives we have established an effective and efficient system of communication with parents, pupils and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support. 

If you would like to request a planned absence, please complete the form in the link below. Absences will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

Absence request form

Punctuality 

Arrival is from 8.45am.  Our registers close at 9am.  Anyone arriving between 9am and 9.15am will be marked as late unless there are agreed special arrangements. Our school day ends at 3.15pm.

This equates to 32.5 hours of learning time per week.  All times of the day encompass learning at Highfield Littleport, from managing transitions, to learning in lessons, to setting the table and using pro-social behaviour at break and lunch times.

What can Parents/Carers do?

  • Ensure that their child attends school regularly and is always on time
  • To provide a reason for their child's absence, before or on each day of any absence. Absences can be reported using the Arbor app or by telephone (01353 223301, choose option to report student absence)
  • To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
  • To work closely with the school Pastoral Assistant Headteacher, Lyn Houghton, to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance or to request support
  • To take family holidays during school holiday periods. Please be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused, except in very exceptional circumstances, and may subsequently lead to the issue of a Penalty Notice
  • To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regard to attendance during important academic times such as exams 

Benefits of Good Attendance 

Good attendance has many benefits and these can help improve a pupil’s future. These benefits include:

  • Improved attainment
  • Increased opportunities and awareness
  • Demonstrating admirable qualities of endurance, determination and resilience
  • Less risk of isolation and low self-esteem
  • More positive social life

Key things to remember

  • Regular attendance is a legal requirement
  • Our attendance target is 100%
  • If attendance falls below expectations, pupils are monitored closely and may be referred to the LAAO (Local Authority Attendance Officer) although we will always try to work with families first
  • Holidays taken during term time cannot be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • Medical appointments are best arranged outside the school day where possible
  • Punctuality is also important and is monitored regularly 

School Leaving Age 

In 2013 the government raised the participation age of school leavers, which means that every child must stay in some form of training or education until they are 18. This could be in the following:

  • Full time education, e.g. sixth form or college
  • An apprenticeship or traineeship
  • Work or volunteering (20 hours or more a week) while in part time education or training