Ark Walworth Academy Attendance Policy

This Policy represents our commitment to striving for 100% attendance, which is achieved by many of our children. It sets out the principles, procedures and practices the school will undertake. Strategies, sanctions and possible legal consequences of poor attendance and punctuality are also detailed, as well as rewards for, and benefits of, good attendance. This policy will be reviewed, amended as necessary and published annually in accordance with current legislation and guidance.

• Receiving a full-time, suitable education is a child's legal entitlement.

• It is parents' and carers' legal responsibility to ensure this happens.

• Attending school regularly aids intellectual, social and emotional development.

• Attending school regularly safeguards the welfare of children whilst they are not in the care of their parents.

• All children whose attendance is poor will be treated as vulnerable. These principles are enshrined in British law within the Education Act 1996, the Children Act 1989, and other associated pieces of legislation.

 

• To ensure that all children attend as near full-time as possible, in order to maximise their educational achievement and social development.

• To discharge the school's duty to safeguard its pupils to be best of its ability.

• To ensure that all those responsible for children's education, including parents, carers, staff and governors understand and accept their responsibilities in relation to attendance.

• To minimise absence from school, thereby reduce levels of persistent absence.

• To improve the life chances of Ark Walworth Academy students and prepare them to be fully contributing citizens when they reach adulthood.

Pupil absence and extenuating family circumstance

If parents or carers need to remove their child from the academy for any reason, they must complete a Term Time Absence Request form. No absences for holidays should be authorised, unless in extreme or exceptional circumstances. Permission for absence will only be given if there are extenuating circumstances. If the absence is not authorised, the parent or carer may be liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice.