ATTENDANCE

At Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School we are very aware about the relationship between good attendance, effective learning, and good academic progress. Research has demonstrated that the higher the attendance of a student, the higher their GCSE grades are at the end of Year 11. Attendance above 95% every year in School equals one grade difference across all GCSE grades and increases the chances of students achieving a grade 4 or higher in English and Maths. We expect all our learners to aim for 100% attendance as we know that learners with high aspiration and attendance go on to achieve better outcomes and live healthier, wealthier, and more enriched lives.

Students with less than 95% attendance are less likely to achieve those important GCSE grades. Additionally, setting high expectations is also useful preparation for each student's life beyond school and the important skill of reliability which all settings require.

Attendance Matters

By having attendance on or above 97% as well as meeting other school expectations, your child will qualify for a range of 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.

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, Missing lessons leaves students vulnerable to falling behind, creating gaps in their learning and lowering their self-confidence.

** Please note that if an absence is authorised attendance % is still affected.

How can you help?

We ask for the support of our parents/carers in supporting good attendance by:

Promote positive and healthy attendance patterns with your child and set good bedtime and morning routines.
Ensure your child attends every day, on time and equipped and ready to learn.
Ensure school has at least 3 up to date addresses and contact numbers.
Contact School on the first day of absence by 08.30am to provide a reason for absence.
Contact the school each day of absence until your child returns.
If contact is not made the absence will be 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 due to the significant impact on progress. Parents/carers who take their children out of school for a holiday may be issued with a Penalty Notice.
Contact school if you are experiencing difficulty getting your child to attend school.
Work with the school and any other agencies of support to resolve any difficulties which may affect regular school attendance.

Request leave of absence in term time for exceptional circumstance by following the School Student Leave of Absence In Term Time Policy

Where absence is unavoidable, the School is very happy to ensure that work is provided so that our student's do not fall behind in their progress.

Leave of absence form

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:

Please note that 90% on a test is seen as a positive achievement however in attendance terms anything less than 90% is a serious concern. We should be striving for 100% attendance each year.

School Support System

We need to work collaboratively with students, home and local partners to promote and support positive attendance. We will work with all partners to:

Attendance Support Team

We have a dedicated team of staff at Saints Peter and Paul who work on Attendance; the Attendance Officer, Year Mentors, Lead Mentors and Progress Leaders 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 students making maximum progress. The Attendance staff are always happy to offer advice and support to students, parents and families on effective strategies for maximising attendance. If you would like more details please do not hesitate to contact School.

Further details can be found in the School's 'Attendance For Learning Policy'.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU KEEP US INFORMED IF YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CHANGE SO THAT WE CAN STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALL PARENTS ON A REGULAR BASIS.

School Policies

Reporting A Staff Absence

Staff should call 0151 422 6504 before 7.45 am on the morning of an absence.