As an academy, we believe attendance and punctuality is incredibly important. These are skills that are important for the world of work but also ensure our students have the maximum possible learning time. We know there are sometimes illnesses and issues that can cause issues with attendance and punctuality but we ask parents/carers and students to try and ensure their absence rate is as low as possible and punctuality is excellent. This links in with our core values of excellence and potential as we want our students to achieve their goals. We will support parents to perform their legal duty to ensure their children of compulsory school age attend regularly, and will promote and support punctuality in attending lessons.
Sickness Absences
We would expect a parent/carer to telephone the Academy as early as possible on the first day of absence (0121 568 3300 choosing option 1). If we do not receive relevant information from parents, or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we will not authorise the absence which could lead to prosecution.
Requests for Absence
We request that appointments and holidays are taken during school holidays to ensure students do not miss time in the Academy. For unavoidable absences, you should inform the Academy in advance by completing this form: Click here to complete a Request for Absence Form
The Impact of Absences
Regular school attendance matters, 100% attendance is the aim and this will give the best possible start in life. Pupils who miss school frequently can fall behind with their work and do less well in exams. Good attendance also shows potential employers that a young person is reliable.
Research suggests that pupils who attend school regularly could also be at less risk of getting involved in antisocial behaviour or crime. Below is a table showing how children’s percentage attendance equates to the amount of school time missed.
It is also important to arrive at school on time. If a child arrives late to school every day, their learning begins to suffer. Below is a table showing how being late to school every day over a school year adds up to lost learning time over one academic year.
Contact Information
Attendance is the responsibility of the whole school community. You can speak to your child’s Head of Year or contact the Attendance Team if you would like to discuss anything or request additional support.
Attendance Manager – Lindsay East: [email protected]
Attendance Administrator – Becky Walmsley: [email protected]
Senior Lead for Attendance – Sophie Chance: [email protected]
FAQ’s
When does my child need to be in the school?
Students are expected to arrive at 8.20am. Students arriving after 8.30am will be marked late.
What happens if my child is late?
If your child arrives late, they will receive a ten-minute detention on the same day.
If your child arrives after the register closes at 9.00am, they will receive a ‘U Code’, which will be marked as an unauthorised absence for that morning, having arrived after closing the registers.
What are the procedures for absence?
If your child is absent, you must:
- contact us as soon as possible on the first day of absence;
- you must contact us each day the child is absent.
If your child is absent, we will:
- contact you on the first day of absence, if we have not heard from you;
- contact you regularly if absences persist;
- undertake home visits;
- invite you to discuss the situation with our Attendance and Pastoral Teams.
What can I do to help my child achieve good attendance?
- Ensure regular and early bedtimes.
- Have uniform and equipment prepared the night before.
- Report any academic or social concerns promptly.
- Keep open and honest communication with the school.
- Be positive about school (even if your own experience was less than positive).
- Discuss your child’s timetable/lessons with them each evening.
Why is it important to have up-to-date phone numbers?
There are times when we have to contact parents/carers about things, including absence, so it is very important that we have your contact number at all times. Providing up-to-date contact details is a legal obligation of parents/carers.
My child is avoiding coming to school. What should I do?
There are occasions when children choose to avoid school. Reasons such as difficulties with school work, bullying, friendship problems or family difficulties can cause young people to worry and they may think that not attending school will solve the problem. All of the staff at Grace Academy Darlaston pride themselves on being able to build positive relationships with students and parents/carers. We want your child to have the best possible experience here so that they can reach their full potential. It is important that we identify the reason for their reluctance to attend school and work together to solve the problem. If a problem does arise, you should contact your child’s tutor in the first instance or your child can report their concerns to their Head of Year or a member of the Safeguarding Team.
Useful Links for Attendance
NHS Guide: Is My Child Too Ill For School?
DFE Guidance: Working Together to Improve School Attendance
