Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance and punctuality are extremely important at Langwith Bassett Junior Academy.

Central to raising standards in education and ensuring all pupils can fulfil their potential is an understanding that children need to attend school regularly to benefit fully from their education. Missing lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind, both academically and socially. We believe it is vital that children are in school, learning and thriving as much as possible.

Children with excellent attendance are able to participate in, and benefit from, the exciting learning opportunities, events and wider experiences provided by our school — something we want for every single pupil.

We aim for every child to achieve at least 96% attendance across the academic year. The attendance team works closely with families to support pupils whose attendance may become a concern. If a child’s attendance drops below 90%, additional support may be offered and the school may involve Miss Nuttall, the Academy Education Welfare Officer, to work alongside families to improve attendance.

We understand that from time-to-time children may need to be absent due to illness or exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers must contact the school office before 9:00am on each day of absence to inform us of the reason for their child’s absence. If we do not her from you, the Attendance Team will make efforts to reach you via phone, text, and/or home visits.

We are able to administer prescribed medicines in school where necessary. Parents/carers should bring medication to the school office and complete the appropriate permission form.

If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the NHS guidance: NHS – Is my child too ill for school?

Punctuality

Being on time is extremely important. Every morning begins with key learning, instructions and activities that prepare children for the rest of the day. Arriving late can mean children miss essential explanations, learning opportunities and valuable social time with their classmates.

Children are expected to arrive at school and be ready to learn by 8:45am. Children arriving after this time will be marked as late. If a child arrives after 9:15am, the session may be recorded as an unauthorised absence unless there is an authorised reason, such as a medical appointment.

Just 10 minutes late each day adds up to nearly one full week of lost learning across the school year.

Developing good punctuality habits is an important life skill and helps prepare children for the expectations of secondary school, employment and adult life.

Leave of Absence

All requests for leave of absence during term time must be made in advance by completing a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the school reception or on the school website.

Please note that leave during term time will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

The Local Authority Code of Conduct for Fixed Penalty Notices states that parents/carers may be issued with a penalty notice where unauthorised leave of absence is taken during term time. Repeated unauthorised absences may result in referral to the Local Authority and could lead to legal action or prosecution.

Celebrating Attendance

We believe that good attendance and punctuality should be recognised and celebrated.

Each week, classes are informed of their attendance figures and whether they are meeting the academy target. Classes with the highest attendance and best punctuality may receive rewards or recognition.

Children with excellent or improved attendance are celebrated throughout the year through certificates, prizes, raffles, special events and end-of-term awards. We are proud to celebrate the commitment and effort shown by our pupils and families in supporting excellent attendance.