1. Your Childs Attendance Matters
“One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day. In fact, research has shown that your child's attendance record may be the biggest factor influencing their academic success”.

2. The importance of regular school attendance
Regular attendance at school is vital to help children achieve and get the best possible start in life. 
Children who frequently miss school often fall behind. There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results. For example:
Only 12% of pupils with below 80% attendance achieve five or more GCSEs at grades 9-5
compared with 68% of pupils with attendance greater than 95%.
Good attendance at school shows potential employers that a young person is reliable. Young people who are frequently absent from school are more likely to become involved in, or be a victim of crime and anti-social behaviour.

3. Your responsibilities as a parent
All children aged between 5 and 16 are required by law to receive an education, and it is the duty of parents and carers to ensure that they are supported to do so.
Children sometimes have to miss school because of illness or if they have long term medical issues. If this is the case, parents should contact school the same day to let them know the reason that their child is not in school. Don’t let them take time off for minor ailments
Once your child is registered at a school, you are legally responsible for making sure they attend regularly.  If your child fails to do so, you risk getting a fine (each parent could be fined up to £1,000 for each child) or being prosecuted.

4. Preventing your child from missing school: what you can do
Make sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality
Take an interest in their education - ask about school work and encourage them to get involved in school activities
Discussing any problems they may have at school – inform their teacher about anything serious
Not letting them take time off school for minor ailments. Allow your child to stay home only in the case of contagious or severe illnesses.
Arrange appointments and outings after school hours, at weekends or during school holidays

5. Every Day Counts Attendance during one school year
Equals this number of days absent
Which is approximately this many weeks absent
Which means this number of lessons missed
90%
19 days
4 weeks
100 lessons
80%
38 days
8 weeks
200 lessons
70%
57 days
11.5 weeks
290 lessons

6. Where Does Your Child Fall
Levels
Attendance %
Excellent and Expected
97% and above
Good to Fair
95% to 96%
Poor - Cause for Concern
90% to 94%
Unacceptable - Urgent Action needed
90% and below
REMEMBER
Only 12% of pupils with below 80% attendance achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C compared with 68% of pupils with attendance greater than 95%.

7. Further Education and Employment
Did you know that one of the key requirement for both colleges and work based employers is a high level of attendance at school. Your child will limit their chances of being excepted on a college course or finding employment if their attendance is poor.

8. WHA Attendance Procedures
Students must be in form rooms for 8.45am
Students arriving late MUST sign the late register. Late after 9.20am is an unauthorised absence
Students must attend the Academy EVERY SCHOOL DAY; Good Attendance should always remain above 96%
Please ring Attendance on (select option 1) first thing in the morning if your child will be absent
Non Urgent appointments (opticians/dentists etc) not to be taken in school time
Student’s absent for 3+ days: we will require medical evidence (doctors note/letter)
Holidays/extended leave during term time are NOT ALLOWED
Unauthorised absences will lead to a referral to external agencies, this could also result in Court Action and a Penalty Notice being issued

9. Remember
By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success, and setting a good example. Remember — every day counts!