At Highfield Littleport we seek to ensure that our pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise their true potential. The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.
The school challenge the behaviour of those pupils and parents who give low priority to attendance and punctuality.
To meet these objectives Highfield Littleport has established an effective and efficient system of communication with parents, pupils and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support.
Punctuality
Arrival is from 8.45am. Our registers close at 9am. Anyone arriving between 9am and 9.15am will be marked as late. Our school day ends at 3.15pm with a transition period for transport between 3.15pm and 3.25pm.
This equates to 32.5 hours of learning time per week. All times of the day encompass learning at Highfield Littleport from managing transitions to learning to set the table and use good manners at lunch time.
What can Parents/Carers do?
- Ensure that your child attends school regularly and is always on time
- To offer a reason, or medical proof, before or on each day of any absence. Absences can be reported using the Arbor app or by telephone (01353 223301, choose option to report student absence)
- To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
- To work closely with the school Pastoral Assistant Headteacher, Lyn Houghton, to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance or to request support
- To take family holidays during school holiday periods. Please be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused, except in very exceptional circumstances, and may subsequently lead to the issue of a Penalty Notice
- To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regard to attendance during important academic times such as exams
Benefits of a Good Attendance
There are many benefits of a good attendance rate and these can help define a pupil’s future. These benefits include:
- Improved attainment
- Increased opportunities and awareness
- Demonstrating admirable qualities of endurance, determination and resilience
- Less risk of isolation and low self esteem
- More positive social life
Key things to remember
- Regular attendance is a legal requirement
- Attendance is expected to be 100%
- Good and excellent attendance will be recognised and rewarded
- If attendance falls below expectations, pupils will be monitored closely and may be referred to the LAAO (Local Authority Attendance Officer)
- Holidays taken during term time can not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances
- Medical appointments are best arranged outside the school day where possible
- Punctuality is also important and will be monitored regularly
School Leaving Age
In 2013 the government raised the participation age of school leavers, which means that every child must stay in some form of training or education until they are 18. This could be in the following:
- Full time education, e.g. sixth form or college
- An apprenticeship or traineeship
- Work or volunteering (20 hours or more a week) while in part time education or training