Attendance

At Orchard House High School, we believe that good attendance is the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Every day a student is in school is a day filled with learning, growth and opportunity. We work in partnership with families to ensure that each child can attend as regularly as possible, while recognising and responding with sensitivity to individual needs. Our supportive and inclusive approach means that we are here to help overcome any barriers to attendance, big or small. Together, we can ensure that every student has the best possible chance to thrive.  

Parents and carers of the students at Orchard House High School who are of compulsory school age are required to ensure that they receive sufficient full time education. At Orchard House High School we will do all we can to support school attendance and take seriously any issues that may lead to non-attendance. Good school attendance is essential to ensure that all children and young people make the most of the educational opportunities available and achieve their full potential whilst ensuring that all students stay safe. We believe this sets good habits for later in life, and ultimately if your child is not in school they cannot learn!

The School’s responsibility  

School has a legal duty to record the attendance of every pupil, or record them absent or late. The register is taken at the beginning of both morning and afternoon sessions. If for any reason a pupil has to leave school during the day, school should be informed of this prior to the day. All class registers are completed showing the exact reasons for a student’s absence. All unexplained absences will be followed up and reported by the school to the Local Authority.

Reporting an absence 

Only school can approve absences for students of compulsory age and not parents. Parents are expected to inform school of the reason for a student’s absence, on the first day when possible, either by telephone, by message through the bus escort, by written message or personal contact. If your child has transport please also inform them.    

If the student is ill, please notify the school before 9.00am on 0161 XXX XXXX explaining the nature of the illness and where possible when the student is expected to return. Medical appointments should be notified in advance where possible.    

If the student is absent without explanation the school attendance team will make contact with the parent or carer on the same day. Non-attendance is a safeguarding issue. If we fail to make contact, the absence will be followed up by a senior member of staff who may need to involve other agencies.

Leave of absence in term time

We ask parents and carers to think very carefully about taking their children out of school during term-time unless there are very exceptional circumstances. It is important that you are aware  that parents do not have a right to take children out of school in term-time. If there are exceptional circumstances then you need to complete a leave of absence request form, which can be obtained from the school office. You may then be asked to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership or Attendance Team to discuss your request. Please make sure the leave is agreed before making any arrangements.

Parents need to be aware that if they take their child out of school without agreement from the Headteacher:    

They can receive a Penalty Notice of £50 rising to £100. They can receive a court summons, which can lead to a criminal record and a fine. Their child may be at risk of losing their school place.  

The school authorises absences resulting from participation in religious observance by the religious body to which the parent belongs. Students are encouraged to share their experiences as appropriate. The school operates an Attendance Monitoring Book that outlines all communication made regarding student absence.

Attendance Policy