Attendance Team

Attendance at Westacre Middle School

At Westacre Middle School, we believe that good attendance is essential for pupils to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We want every child to feel that they belong at Westacre and to benefit fully from the opportunities that school provides.

Regular attendance helps pupils to build strong relationships, develop confidence, keep up with their learning and make the most of school life. We recognise that there can sometimes be barriers to attendance and will work positively and supportively with pupils and families to understand these barriers and help improve attendance.

Parents, carers, pupils and school staff all have an important part to play in promoting good attendance and punctuality. We monitor attendance carefully so that concerns can be identified early and appropriate support can be offered.

Attendance Procedures

• Pupils are expected to attend school every day and on time, unless there is a valid reason for absence.

• Registers are taken at 8.30am and 1.05pm.

• Parents/carers should contact school before 9.00am on each day of absence, explaining the reason their child is unable to attend.

• Where a pupil has not arrived at school and we have not received an explanation, the school will contact parents/carers as part of our safeguarding procedures.

• We monitor attendance regularly and will contact families where attendance begins to cause concern or patterns of absence emerge.

• Where attendance is declining, we will work with the pupil and family to understand any barriers and agree appropriate support.

• Parents will not routinely be asked to provide medical evidence for illness. Where clarification is reasonably required, the school may discuss with parents what suitable evidence is available.

• Wherever possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside school hours. Where this is not possible, pupils should attend school for as much of the day as they are able and parents should provide advance notice of the appointment.

• Requests for leave of absence during term time must be made in advance. Leave can only be authorised where the circumstances meet the requirements set out in the school's Attendance Policy.

Our aim is to work in partnership with families so that every pupil is supported to attend regularly, feel that they belong and achieve their full potential.