Attendance
Attendance advice for parents
At The Grange Academy, we are very aware about the link between good attendance and good progress. Research has shown that the lower the attendance of a learner, the lower the GCSE grade at the end of Year 11. Less than 95% attendance every year in school equals a 1 grade difference across ALL GCSE grades. As a result, we have set our school target for attendance at 97% and expect all learners to achieve this. Additionally, this is useful preparation for the workplace, where an absence rate of 5% or above would be considered a cause for concern.
Attendance Matters
If a learner 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!
By having attendance on or above 97%, your child will qualify for a range of attendance rewards during each half term. This will include, but is not limited to; individual/ group/year group rewards and each term, there will be an opportunity to qualify for an attendance reward activity.
What can parents/carers do to ensure good attendance?
- Ensure your child attends every day, on time, equipped and ready to learn.
- Ensure school has up to date addresses and telephone numbers.
- Contact school the first morning of absence by 8:50am (Primary phase) or 8:30am (Secondary phase) to provide your reason for absence. Absence line number - 01928 562660 and select option 1.
- Contact the school each day of absence until your child returns to school.
- If contact is not made for an absence, it is recorded as unauthorised. The school is responsible for deciding if the absence is acceptable or not.
- Provide medical evidence for any absence exceeding 5 days (10 sessions) or more.
- Ensure medical appointments are made outside of school time. If this is not possible, your child needs to be in school prior to and after the appointment. We will need medical evidence upon their return.
- Holiday requests during term time will not be authorised. Parents who take their children out of school for a holiday may be issued with a Penalty Notice.
- Contact school if you are experiencing difficulty in getting your child into school.
- Work with the school and any other agency to resolve any difficulties which may affect regular school attendance.
Where absence is unavoidable, the school is very happy to ensure that work is provided so that your child does not fall behind in his or her progress. You will need to contact your child’s Assistant Head of Year to arrange this.
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 |
Our Attendance Team
We have a very dedicated team of staff at The Grange Academy who work on attendance. Each of these members of staff scrutinise our attendance data daily and work closely with Halton Education Welfare Services.
As you would expect, we have very high standards and are committed to all our learners making maximum progress. The Attendance Staff are happy to offer advice and support to learners, parents and families on effective strategies for maximising attendance. If you would like more details please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Leave of Absence Request Form
