Attendance

Open Academy Expectations

Student’s attendance is 100%

Students to catch up work in own time if absent from school

We expect students to be lining up for uniform and other checks by 8:30am

 Attendance has a very high profile at the Open Academy. We expect all students to achieve a minimum of 98% attendance per academic year and we count on parents to support us.

Absence Procedures

If your child is going to be absent from school, you must inform the school and follow the correct procedures below:

Reporting Absence

• All absences must be reported before 08.30am each day. The absence line is automated and available 24 hours a day 01603 481640 or email student.absence@open-academy.org.uk
• Written notification giving details of absence can be handed in to your form tutor or reception on return to school.

 Examples of Authorised Absence

• Hospital or Orthodontist appointment (evidence required)
• College/Connexions/Employment Interview (evidence required)
• Funeral (1 day only)
• Reported illness of less than 4 days (unless medical evidence has been requested)
• Illness of 5 or more days WITH medical evidence or Home Visit
• Emergency Doctor or Dental appointments (evidence required) routine appointments should be made outside of school hours

Examples of Unauthorised Absence

• Leave of Absence NOT approved by school
• Absence NOT reported on the day or supported by written explanation upon return to school
• Absence of 4 or more days WITHOUT medical evidence
• Routine Doctor/Dental appointments
• Arriving late after registers have closed
• Truancy (both internal & external)

Requests for Leave of Absence – Changes to the law

If leave of absence is taken during term-time parent/carers may receive a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority for taking a child out of school without the school’s permission.

The first penalty notice issued to a parent for a child will be charged at £160 to be paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days. Where it is deemed appropriate to issue a second penalty notice, the second penalty notice to the same parent for the same child within 3 years of the first offence, is charged at a flat rate of £160 and is payable within 28 days. There is no reduced sum available in this instance.

Arrangements can be made to help and support your child remain in school during periods of illness, injury or other circumstances that are affecting their attendance. If you are experiencing any difficulties and would like to discuss the support options available, please contact your child’s Assistant Head of Year. 

Punctuality

Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management.

• Students should make sure they are in school no later than 8:30a.m to ensure they arrive to tutor on time. Any student who is late to tutor is required to sign in and give the reason for being late. A late mark will be entered on the register
• They will need a note explaining the reason for the late arrival. After this time, students must sign in the late book in Reception
• Punctuality also has a very high profile at the Open Academy. Research shows that those students who have good punctuality are better prepared for their day and are higher achievers. It helps the student to identify the importance of education and develops a sense of responsibility for him/her and towards others
• Punctuality at the Academy sets the standard students will need to maintain throughout their working lives

 

Make their time in school count!

Attending school every day = 100%

Attending 4½ days a week = 90% attendance = 4 weeks missed per year

Attending 4 days a week = 80% attendance = more than half a term missed per year or 2 full years missed over the course of their school career

Attending 3½ days each week = 70% attendance = more than a quarter of the school year missed

An average attendance of 80% or less across a child’s school career adds up to missing a whole 2 years from school