ATTENDANCE

At Dunsford Community Academy we expect the highest standards of attendance and punctuality for each child. 

Our Trust’s mission is ‘to transform children’s lives’. Excellent attendance and punctuality are crucially important in order for children to maximise their achievement in school and to be well-prepared for the demands of the next stage of their education. Research evidence and national statistics link high attendance to the achievement of academic and personal development.

We discourage routine medical or dental appointments during school hours, and we encourage all pupils to work towards 100% attendance. High attendance is celebrated (in our weekly class newsletters, for example).

Children every day and on time is key to steady progress and enjoyment of learning, and for this reason the school is dedicated to ensuring maximum attendance.

A whole calendar year has 365 days – a school year has only 190 days. This leaves 175 days to spend on family time, visits, holidays and other appointments.

We encourage regular attendance by:

• providing a caring and welcoming learning environment and learning that is such fun that children will not want to miss it
• responding promptly to a child’s or parent’s concerns about the academy or other children
• marking registers accurately and punctually during morning and afternoon registration
• publishing and displaying attendance statistics
• celebrating good and improved attendance
• monitoring children, informing parents/carers in writing of irregular attendance, arranging meetings with them if necessary.

We expect that you will:

• ALWAYS encourage regular school attendance and be aware of your legal responsibilities.
• ALWAYS ensure that your child arrives at the school punctually and fully prepared for the school day.
• Ensure that you contact the school whenever your child is unwell and unable to attend the school.
• Contact the school by 9am on the first day of your child’s absence.
• Contact us promptly whenever any problem occurs that may keep your child away from the school.

Attendance and Absence in Term Time Policy 2023-24

Absence Request form