Attendance
Please see the Widnes Academy Attendance Journey below. Throughout our academic year we we have a number of incentives to promote and praise excellent attendance.
The Importance of good attendance
At Widnes Academy we strive to provide the best education for all our children in an environment that they feel safe, happy and are able to learn effectively.
We know that children who attend regularly are more likely to:
- Make and maintain friendships
- Develop self-confidence
- Achieve well academically
- Develop good habits for future schooling and work life
- Enjoy school
If a child does not attend school, or is not taking part in an approved educational activity, they are classed as ABSENT from school. This means that if your child is off school for any reason, even if they are ill or have medical permission to be off school, they are classed as ABSENT.
- 100% Attendance = 190 days at school
- 8 days absence is 96%
- 12 days absence is 94%
- 19 days absence is 90%
- 29 days absence is 85%
- 38 days absence is 80%
- 47 days absence is 75%
Rewards for getting it right!
What is classed as Persistent Absence?
Persistent Absence is classed as any absence that equates to over 10% of the academic year at any given time. Any learner who appears on the persistent absence list may be monitored by Halton School Attendance Services. The thresholds are set out below:
- Close of 1st half-term: 3.5 days in total
- Close of 2nd half-term: 7 days in total
- Close of 3rd half-term: 10 days in total
- Close of 4th half-term: 12.5 days in total
- Close of 5th half-term: 15.5 days in total
- Close of 6th half-term: 19 days in total
What does the school do to encourage good attendance?
Widnes Academy recognises the importance of working in partnership with families and that good communication is vital to this. Parents and carers are encouraged to speak with staff if they have any questions or concerns about their child’s education or well-being. Teachers are available after school each day, although if you need to discuss something in more detail it is worth making an appointment in advance.
We also monitor attendance closely. Each week class and whole school levels are published in the weekly newsletter. Children who have attended every day will be put into a prize draw ‘Five for a Prize’ with one winner from Early Years and Key Stage One and one from Key Stage Two.
Each half term 100% attendance certificates are presented to pupils with recognition given to those whose attendance is 97% or above. At the end of each term there is the opportunity for pupils to win a family prize for excellent attendance.
In addition, children whose attendance is causing concern are highlighted so the reasons can be identified and the necessary support or other action put in place to improve the situation.
Finally we aim to make school a great place for your child to be – a place where they can have fun and learn with friends.
The Importance of good punctuality
Lessons at Widnes Academy start promptly following registration at 8.55am.
Children who arrive late will miss vital teaching and learning and also disrupt the learning of others.
Please help by giving your child the best possible start to the day by ensuring that they arrive in time for the first lesson.
This Information explains how Widnes Academy can work with you to ensure that your child attends regularly and is on time so that their primary education can be as successful as possible.
School Expectations and Procedures
- Children should arrive at school between 8.45am and 8.55am
- Children arriving after registration will be marked ‘Late’
- Children arriving after 9.30am will be marked ‘Absent’
- Children who have medical appointments during school time will be marked ‘Authorised Absence’, however medical evidence will need to be provided to the school office
Parent/Carer Responsibilities
- To ensure children attend school every day unless there is a reason why they are absent
- To ensure that children arrive at school between 8.45am and 8.55am
- To try to arrange non-emergency medical appointments after school or during holidays
- To ensure children understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality
- To avoid planning holidays during term time
