Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance Matters

At Barnwell School, we are very aware about the link between excellent attendance and strong 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 could equal a 1 grade difference across ALL GCSE grades. As a result, we have set our school target for attendance at 95% 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. 

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% 

As you would expect, we have very high standards and are committed to all our learners making maximum progress. We are happy to offer advice and support to learners, parents/carers and families on effective strategies for maximising attendance. If you would like more details, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

If you or a member of your family are struggling with your wellbeing or mental health, we are also providing support for our families currently. Please do contact us and we can help you to access the support you need.

Reporting an absence

If your child is absent or going to be late for any reason please inform the school’s attendance team before 8.30am, so school know of the reason for absence before the registration period. The attendance line number is 01438 730876 and email absence@barnwell.herts.sch.uk. Please put the number and email into your phone.

By law, only the Headteacher can authorise your child’s absence. It is important to keep the school informed if your child is going to be absent as soon as possible at the start of the day.

If your child is frequently absent due to illness the school may request permission to contact your GP for confirmation that they are too ill to attend school. Medical evidence maybe requested for each absence

If it becomes clear that your child will be away from school for longer than expected, phone the school to explain this as soon as possible.

If your child attends school and feels unwell during the school day the school will contact you to arrange collection.

First Day Response

This procedure is to ensure that we know where your child is and that you are all safe. Please let us know in good time why your child is absent from school.

If we have not heard from you by 9am then we will start to send schoolcomms messages and emails and call all the contact numbers that you have provided in order to gain an explanation for the absence. If we still have not been able to ascertain where your child is then we may well make a home visit. However if we still haven’t been able to get a response then we will report it to the police as your child will then be classed a ‘missing child’.

School Work during school absence

If you child is absent from school, this will obviously affect progress in lessons. Teachers will not set specific work for students absent from school but as a school, we will direct students to online platforms to support their learning. Students should also log on to Show My Homework for homework tasks that may have been set.

Leave of absence during Term Time

Due to the legal change in the Department for Education (DfE) legislation, at Barnwell School we will only grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances that are not related to holidays.

Term time holidays/extended leave are not allowed and parents/carers are discouraged from arranging them.

If parents/carers choose to take their child out on holiday in term time the absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. This could lead to an Fixed Penalty Notice being issued.

Parents/carers must send in a letter addressed to the headteacher requesting permission to take their child out of school during term time due to an exceptional circumstance.