At Edna G. Olds Academy we are committed to helping all pupils to achieve their full potential. Good attendance is a key factor in raising pupils’ attainment and supporting their personal development. Whilst it is appreciated that children are ill from time to time, please think carefully before allowing your child to be absent from school. The chart below provides an indication of how just a few days absence can significantly impact a child’s overall attendance percentage and impede their learning:
| Description | Attendance | Whole Days Lost | Lost Hours of Learning |
| Excellent | 100 – 99% | 0 – 2 | 0 – 10 |
| Good | 98 – 96% | 4 – 7.5 | 20 – 37.5 |
| Requires Improvement | 95 – 91% | 9.5 – 17 | 47.5 – 85 |
| Persistant Absentee | 90 – 86% | 19 – 27 | 95 – 135 |
| Critical | 85 – 80% | 28.5 – 38 | 142.5 – 190 |
We always aim to work positively with parents, when we have concerns regarding children’s attendance. This involves School regularly keeping you updated via letters and other forms of contact regarding your child’s attendance percentage, as well as offering support or guidance whenever it is needed. We strive to work in partnership with families to find realistic solutions to overcome barriers to learning. Our Family Support and Attendance Worker is available on Mondays and Fridays, and is available to advise you on a variety of matters. Please contact the School office to make an appointment.
If your child’s attendance falls below 95% we will make contact with you and offer support.
If their attendance drops to 90% you will be asked to come to a meeting in school where the impact of the individual attendance percentage will be discussed. An action plan will be put in to place and your child’s attendance monitored closely. In addition to this, any absences below 90% will require medical evidence in order to be authorised.
Remember, school attendance is your statutory responsibility as a parent or primary career. This means if your child’s attendance falls into the red region below, not only is their education suffering, but you will be referred to the Education Welfare Service and may also receive a penalty notice.
Government guidelines stipulate that Headteacher’s cannot grant any leave of absence unless in exceptional circumstances. Holidays and trips abroad do not qualify as exceptional circumstances.
If a leave of absence is taken for the purpose of a holiday it will be counted as an unauthorised absence. It is probable that a penalty notice may be issued in these circumstances, and a referral to the Education Welfare Service may also be made.
