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Attendance

Working Together

Wightwick Hall School and VIP Education work in partnership with families to help every child maintain good attendance and get the education they deserve.

For the full policy, please visit the school website.

Why Attendance Matters

Coming to school every day helps your child to:

  • Learn more and make better progress

  • Build friendships and social skills

  • Gain confidence and independence

  • Feel part of a routine which supports their wellbeing

  • Develop important life skills they will need for adulthood

Even small amounts of absence or lateness quickly add up.
For example, the infographic on page 1 shows that being 10 minutes late every day means losing around 6.5 days of learning each year.

Punctuality

  • School starts at 8:50am

  • Children should be in the building by 9:00am

  • Arriving after 9:00am (not on school transport) is marked as late (L)

  • Arriving after 9:30am is marked as an unauthorised absence (U)

  • Being late means missing important information and can cause anxiety for pupils

Reporting Absences

If your child cannot attend:

  1. Contact school before 8:40am

    • Phone: 01902 761889

    • Or send a message via the Arbor app

  2. Please include:

    • Your name

    • Your child’s name

    • A clear reason for absence (for example, vomiting, high temperature, anxiety flare up)

    • When you think they will return

You must contact school every day your child is absent.

Medical and Other Appointments

  • Wherever possible, make appointments outside the school day

  • If this is not possible, complete a leave of absence form and provide evidence

  • Your child should attend school before and after the appointment if they are able

  • These absences will be recorded as M on the register

Staff may still make a welfare call to ensure your child is safe.

Illness

Absences for illness will normally be authorised.
School may request medical evidence if concerns arise about the frequency of absences.

Persistent Absence

A pupil is classed as persistently absent if attendance falls below 90 percent.

If attendance becomes a concern:

  • School will contact you to discuss support

  • An attendance plan or Early Help may be offered

  • If attendance does not improve, the school may request Local Authority involvement

  • This can include statutory action such as a notice to improve or a Penalty Notice

 

 

  1. Attendance Policy 2025
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