Chetwynde School

Every child of compulsory school age has a right to full-time education. It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to ensure that their child attends school regularly. At Chetwynde School, we will work with parents/carers and students to ensure that all students attend regularly and therefore fulfil their potential.  

The whole school's target for attendance is: 96%

Persistent Absence from School

Please be aware that any student whose attendance is lower than 90% is classified as “persistent absence”; this is an expectation which is set by the Department for Education (DFE).

Tracking Attendance

Students are notified weekly of their attendance level through conversations with form tutors. 

100%                                      Attendance is Excellent

99%-96%                              Attendance is Good

95%-90%                              Attendance is a Concern

Below 90%                            Attendance is a Serious Concern

Why regular attendance is so important

Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling, and consistent absence will seriously affect their learning. Ensuring your child’s regular attendance at school is your legal responsibility, and permitting absence from school without a good reason creates an offence in law and may result in prosecution. 

Children who attend school regularly do better, and there is a clear link between high attendance levels and better achievement. Government (DFE) research suggests that 16 days of absence or 92% attendance in any one year equals a full GCSE grade drop in attainment.

Communication with Parents and Carers

Throughout the academic year, parents may find themselves receiving letters regarding attendance for the following reasons:

• 100% attendance
• Attendance lower than 95% (First half term)
• Attendance certificates will be sent home every term
• Attendance lower than 90%

If attendance drops lower than 80% after the first full term.  The school will contact Nicky Braund-Smith who is the Furness and South Lakes Inclusion Officer in terms of attendance in schools, for further assistance in improving your child’s attendance.

The School Day

The start of the school day is a vital part of a child’s routine which impacts on the organisation and other important matters. 

Students in the Senior Phase are expected to arrive through the Abbey Road Entrance. Students are to be seated in their first lesson by 8.30am; any students who miss the registration point will be marked as late. The school gates will be locked by a member of the Senior Leadership Team at 8.40am. Students arriving after this point must report to the school office via the Rating Lane entrance and sign in at the office.

In the Primary phase, student should enter through the Rating Lane entrance. 

Reporting Absence

If your child is going to be absent from school, you must inform the school of the reason by calling 01229 824210 before 8:30 am, leaving a message on the answerphone or using the reporting feature on the EduLink App. Failure to report the reason for absence may result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised. If your child is absent, we will contact you on the first day of absence if we have not heard from you.

Extended Leave of Absence (Term time Holidays) 

Comment from Mr Jefferson:

" Please note that I cannot authorise any holidays due to government changes to regulations.  I can only authorise a leave of absence under exceptional circumstances.  Please note that unauthorised leave could result in your child being excluded from school rewards."

Under Government Regulations, parents must apply to the Headteacher of their son/daughter’s school for permission to take children out of school during term time. The Headteacher may grant the request, in which case the absence would be authorised.

If you still wish to take your child out of school, please complete the leave of absence form from the school office, setting out proposed leave of absence dates and the reasons why leave is being proposed during term time.  The Headteacher will contact you if there is a problem allowing your child this leave of absence.  If this procedure is not followed, the absence will be unauthorised.

For any term time holiday, please complete the form attached at the bottom of this page and email it to attendance@chetwynde.cumbria.sch.uk or complete and hand it in at the main office.

Improving Attendance

We are passionate about working closely with parents/carers. Parents/carers will be notified if their son/daughter’s attendance falls below the expected level, and intervention processes will begin. Parents/carers may be invited into school as part of this intervention process, and a plan will be devised to ensure that regular school attendance is secured.

Please take the time to read the whole school attendance policy for more information.  Alternatively, contact a member of the school attendance team via the school office.  If you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance, please get in contact with Dr Polley via email h.polley@chetwynde.cumbria.sch.uk