School Attendance Matters
Reporting Absences:
If your child is going to be absent, you must contact school before 8:30am or as soon as practically possible, on the first day of absence, giving an indication of the expected duration and return date to school. This should be done by ringing school (0151 727 2064) and choosing option 1 to ‘Report a pupil absence’. Parents/carers should then ring on each subsequent day of absence if it goes beyond 1 day. You may be required to provide evidence to support your child’s absence, if her Attendance is below 95%
Alternatively, parents can use Classcharts to report a student’s absence.
To report an absence through Classcharts, parents can log into their parent account, https://www.classcharts.com/parent/login navigate to the "Absences" tab in the top menu bar, and click "Report New Absence". You will then need to complete the required information, including the date and reason for the absence, and optionally attach supporting evidence. Once the details are entered, parents can submit the report.
If a text message is received as a result of your child’s absence it is important that you respond to ensure your child is appropriately safeguarded.
Punctuality:
All students are expected to arrive on site by 8.40am. Students who arrive late to registration will be issued with a late mark and an appropriate lunch or break detention issued.
Any arrival after 9:05 will result in after school detention.
In line with DoE guidance, any arrival after registers close at 9:15 is coded as 'U' and counts as an unauthorised absence in terms of attendance figures. If a pupil is persistently late after the official close of the register, this can result in EWO involvement and a penalty notice issued.
Leave of Absence:
Requests for leave of absence during term time will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must be made in writing by parents/carers via the ‘Pupil Leave of Absence Form’ (below). Any such request can only be authorised by the Headteacher. We request that all applications are submitted as soon as the absence is anticipated, and at least 2 weeks prior to the absence where possible. Unacceptable reasons for missing school, include general holidays, weddings, shopping, concerts and birthdays. Any leave of absence taken without authorisation will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may be referred to the Education Welfare Service
Please read our Attendance Policy and Leaflet below:
If your child is going to be absent for school parents and carers are requested to complete the Pupil Leave of Absence Form in advance of the expected absence
School attendance is the key to enabling students to maximise the educational opportunities available to them, allowing them to become emotionally resilient, confident and competent adults who are able to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to their community.
With this in mind, Bellerive aim to do all we can to ensure that pupils are attending school every day. This will give them the best possible outcome and opportunities when leaving school and moving on in life as young adults. We will continue to implement and review the approach outlined below to encourage good attendance:
- All parents/carers will regularly receive messages encouraging positive attendance routines or statistics relating to attendance.
- Parents/carers will be notified if their daughter’s attendance falls to 95%; our school expectation is that pupils have at least 97% attendance.
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If pupils attendance drops to 92%, equating to 65 – 95 hours of lost learning in an academic year, an additional letter will be sent home and parents/carers may be invited into school for a meeting to help identify any barriers or challenges impacting attendance. Support will be offered if required.
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If pupil's attendance drops to 90% or below, equating to 95 - 145 hours of lost learning in an academic year, they classify as a 'persistent absentee'. Parents will likely be invited into school for a meeting and the Educational Welfare Officer may become involved.
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5 or more days unauthorised absence in any 10 consecutive school weeks may lead to a fine of £80 per parent, which can increase to £160 per parent if it is not paid within 21 days.
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Please see new DfE statutory guidance in place from August 2024 for further information: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf300da44f1c4c23e5bd1b/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_-_August_2024.pdf