The Link Academy is committed to ensuring excellent attendance in order to maximise the enjoyment, achievement and safety of all pupils. Regular attendance and good punctuality are crucial if pupils are to take full advantage of their education and achieve their potential. Please read this area of the website for further details regarding attendance, should you require any additional information or support, please contact us directly via Contact Us.
Attendance Policy
Paper copies are available on request, please contact us directly. For all policies and documents please refer to the Policies & Documents area of the website.
Overview
We know that good attendance is important for every child’s learning, wellbeing and development. Attending school regularly helps learners build positive relationships, feel part of the school community and achieve their full potential.
We work closely with parents and carers to promote good attendance and punctuality for all learners. Attendance is monitored daily and, if a learner is absent and we have not been informed of the reason, we will contact home as soon as possible. This is an important part of our safeguarding responsibilities and helps us ensure that learners are safe and well.
We understand that there can be many reasons why a child may find it difficult to attend school, including health needs, mental health, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or family circumstances. Where attendance becomes a concern, we will work in partnership with learners, parents and carers to understand any barriers and identify the most appropriate support.
If we notice emerging patterns of absence or lateness, we will contact families at an early stage so that we can offer support and help prevent attendance concerns from becoming more significant.
Persistent absence, severe absence or patterns of unexplained absence may be treated as a safeguarding concern and, where appropriate, will be managed in line with the academy’s safeguarding procedures.
If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or would like advice and support, please contact the academy office, who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff.
Further information can be found in our Attendance Policy.
We believe that good attendance begins at home. Below are some ways that you can support your child to attend school every day.
Contact the Attendance Officer if your child is experiencing issues that are preventing regular attendance.
Take an interest in their learning. Know their timetable and support them with getting their equipment ready each evening.
Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of unnecessary absence from school.
Encourage your child to avoid unnecessary absence, for example, by taking time off due to minor illnesses that could be managed in school.
Do not be tempted to ‘cover up’ for your child if they are taking time off school for a reason that you do not agree with – be honest with us and talk to us about what support we may be able to provide.
Avoid taking holidays/leave of absence during term time.
Arrange medical appointments outside of school hours. If this is not possible, please support their learning by ensuring they attend school before and after the appointment.