Attendance Guidance 2023/2024
Attendance Expectations
From the start of the Autumn term 2023, pupil attendance is mandatory and the usual rules on attendance apply, including:
- It is parents'/carers’ duty to ensure that their child of compulsory school age attends regularly at the school where the child is a registered pupil.
- It is schools’ responsibility to record attendance and follow-up absence.
- The ability to issue sanctions (including fixed penalty notices) in line with local authorities’ codes of conduct.
Parents/carers should plan their holidays within school breaks and avoid seeking permission to take their child / children out of school during term time. Families should also consider that their child may need to self-isolate following any trip overseas that requires a period of quarantine.
Reporting Absences:
Please inform the academy before 9.15am on the first day of any absence, by calling 01842 753279.
It is very important that you contact the school if your child will not be coming to lessons. If we do not hear from you, we will try to make contact to find out why your child is not at school. If we are unable to make contact with you, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
Attendance
There is strong evidence that there is a direct link between a child’s level of attendance and their educational attainment.
At Norwich Road Academy, we promote and expect good school attendance. We want children to have the best start in life. In order to be fully part of what we do and to be a ‘super learner’, they need to be here every day. Irregular attendance disrupts the continuity of learning and affects relationships in school.
We celebrate good attendance weekly in our assemblies and in classes, where children are given certificates and rewards. We track attendance carefully and will get in touch if we feel that there is a concern.
Attendance Tracking - Parental Responsibilities
It is a legal requirement that children attend school regularly. The Education Act 1996 states that, “If a child of compulsory school age who is registered at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his/her parent is guilty of an offence.” Therefore, please ensure that:
- Your child arrives every day by registration time.
- You notify us by 9:15am on the first day of your child's absence and provide a reason.
- You provide medical information where you are able.
- You arrange medical and dental appointments outside school hours.
- You do not take leave or holidays during term time.
Any absence from the academy without explanation is always dealt with as a safeguarding concern.
Please note that, as an academy, we do not automatically follow the Norfolk County Council school holidays calendar. As part of Eastern Multi Academy Trust, we will follow their calendar.
We do not authorise requests for term time holidays.
Our Start Times
8:35am – Our gates are open and children can make their way to their classrooms
8:45am – Registration and start of academy day. If a child arrives after this time, they should make their way to the academy office to ensure that their arrival is recorded.
Do you need help encouraging your child to attend?
We aim to have an engaging curriculum and welcoming environment for your child here at Norwich Road Academy. The team here recognise the importance of good attendance and will support you as much as possible. If you are having difficulties or your child is reluctant to come to school, please let us know. Your child’s class teacher will be able to support with difficulties over school work or friendships, for example. We take a strong approach on any allegations of bullying. Please see our policy.
A good sleep and an organised routine will support attendance and punctuality. By being prepared and getting up at a set time, with clothes and equipment organised beforehand, a positive approach is set. Parents and carers can make a big difference by showing an interest and that they value education.
If you need advice regarding particular challenging circumstances or are experiencing difficulties for your family, please get in touch. We can work together to tackle the problem.
Punctuality
It is important that children arrive on time and are ready for their learning. The beginning of the school day is a time that helps to settle them with their peers. It sets the tone for the day’s learning. Being punctual is a life skill to be encouraged. If lateness is a problem for your child, we will support your child by getting in touch with you to discuss this.
Please see below for useful links and information: