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Attendance

Promoting Good Attendance at Weare Academy

At Weare Academy C of E First School, we are a caring and welcoming school where children enjoy learning and are keen to attend. We believe that good attendance is essential for every child’s learning, development, and well-being. We work closely with pupils, parents, and staff to encourage excellent attendance and ensure that every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Our Expectations and Procedures

✅ Registers and Punctuality
Registers are accurately and punctually taken at the beginning of both morning and afternoon registration. If pupils arrive after the close of the register (9:00am in the morning) without a written or verbal explanation, a late mark will be recorded. If a child arrives after 9:30am, it will be recorded as late absence and counted as an unauthorised absence.

✅ Reporting an Absence
If your child is absent, please report it by telephoning the Absence Line before 9:15am on 01934 732270. The absence must be reported on each day of absence, explaining the reason.

✅ Medical Evidence and Appointments

  • Medical evidence is required for absences due to illness or appointments.
  • Whenever possible, please schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
  • If an appointment is during school time, provide medical evidence and ensure your child returns to school as soon as possible.

✅ Requests for Term-Time Leave
In line with advice from the Education Safeguarding Service, term-time leave requests will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances.

  • All leave requests must be made in advance to the Headteacher.
  • Unauthorised absences may result in penalty notices.
  • We will contact parents before placing a child on a Warning Penalty Notice for low attendance.

✅ Monitoring and Support

  • Parents/carers will be informed in writing of irregular attendance and meetings will be arranged if necessary.
  • If your child has concerns about attending school, contact us as soon as possible so we can provide support.

How We Promote Good Attendance

✅ A Positive and Engaging School Environment
We create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. A stimulating curriculum, engaging lessons, and supportive staff help make school a place where pupils want to be every day.

✅ Celebrating Good Attendance
We recognise and reward excellent attendance through:

  • Weekly class attendance awards
  • Recognition in assemblies and newsletters

✅ Early Intervention and Support
We monitor attendance closely and quickly identify any concerns. Our inclusion team works with families to provide guidance and support if a pupil’s attendance begins to drop.

✅ Support for Punctuality
Being on time is just as important as attending school every day. We support families in ensuring children arrive punctually, offering advice and, when needed, working together on practical solutions. Our school gates are open from 8:40am until 9am each day and we provide a daily ‘Stop & Drop’ to provide support for families around morning drop off.

✅ Liaison with External Agencies
When necessary, we work alongside external agencies to offer additional support and guidance to families who may need help improving attendance.

Parent and Carer Responsibilities

We expect that you will:

  • Always encourage regular school attendance and be aware of your legal responsibilities.
  • Ensure that your child arrives at school punctually and fully prepared for the school day.
  • Contact the school whenever your child is unwell and unable to attend.
  • Report absences by 9:15am on the first day of absence and call or email every day thereafter unless a doctor’s certificate is provided.
  • Contact us promptly whenever any problems occur that may affect your child’s attendance.

Somerset Council Guidance on School Attendance

For more detailed information on attendance policies and procedures, please visit:

Information about Penalty Notices for Parents

Somerset Council – Education Engagement Officer (EEO)

As a school we are required to monitor our pupil attendance on a regular on-going basis.  We are also accountable to Somerset Council, who have appointed an Education Engagement Officer, Simeon Marshall, to discuss school attendance issues and to offer what support the Local Authority can give in addressing our attendance.

Simeon Marshall

“In November 2023, I accepted the role as an Education Engagement Officer (EEO) with the Education Engagement Service, Somerset Council.  This was after 30 plus years of public service with the Army and then as a Police Officer with the Avon & Somerset Constabulary (27 years).

As part of my role, I am involved with schools and families in supporting children and young persons with their access to education.  I meet regularly with schools and parents/carers to help ensure that education remains accessible to all, often this is in conjunction with other services and agencies”

More information

Please click the links for further information on the following:-

Mental Health and Well-being Help for Young People and Families:-   Mental Health Helpsheet

Emotionally Based School Avoidance:-   School Avoidance

Wessex Learning Trust Attendance Policy:-   WLT Attendance Policy