Our Approach To Monitoring Attendance
At Gosberton Academy, we monitor attendance carefully because we want every learner to benefit fully from their education and feel a strong sense of belonging to our academy.
Our approach is based on early identification, open communication and working in partnership with families. Where attendance begins to cause concern, we aim to understand the reasons behind absence and identify what can be done to support improvement.
Monitoring Attendance
Attendance is monitored regularly across the academy. We look at the attendance of individual learners as well as patterns and trends across classes, year groups and the academy as a whole.
When monitoring attendance, we may consider:
- Overall attendance
- The number and frequency of absences
- Patterns of absence, including particular days or times
- Repeated periods of illness or other absence
- Unauthorised absence
- Punctuality and repeated late arrival
- Changes in a learner's usual attendance
- The individual circumstances of the learner and their family
We recognise that a percentage never tells the whole story. Attendance information is therefore considered alongside what we know about the learner and their circumstances.
Identifying Concerns Early
We believe that the earlier concerns are identified, the greater the opportunity we have to work together successfully.
If a learner's attendance begins to decline or we identify a concerning pattern, we will make contact with their family. This may initially be an informal conversation to understand what is happening and whether any support is required.
Where concerns continue, our response may include:
- Further conversations with parents or carers
- Attendance letters
- Meetings with families
- Agreeing attendance targets or actions
- Regular attendance reviews
- Exploring barriers that may be preventing regular attendance
- Considering additional support from within the academy
- Working with other professionals or services where appropriate
The support offered will depend upon the individual learner, their circumstances and the reasons for their absence.
Understanding Barriers to Attendance
We recognise that there are many reasons why a learner's attendance may become a concern.
Illness, medical needs, SEND, anxiety, changes in family circumstances or difficulties around coming into school can all affect attendance.
Where barriers exist, we want families to talk to us. Understanding the difficulty allows us to consider what support can be put in place and how we can work together to help the learner attend school regularly.
Our aim is not simply to improve an attendance figure. Our priority is to help learners be in school, feel safe and happy when they are here, and access the education and opportunities they deserve.
Celebrating Positive Attendance
Our approach to attendance is not only about identifying concerns.
We want learners to understand that attending school regularly is an important part of being ready to learn and making the most of their education. We recognise and encourage positive attendance habits, improved attendance and good punctuality.
We are also mindful that absence can sometimes be unavoidable. Learners should never feel blamed or disadvantaged for absence caused by circumstances outside of their control.
When Further Action Is Required
While our first approach is to understand, communicate and support, parents and carers also have a responsibility to ensure that their child attends school regularly.
Where absence is unauthorised, attendance does not improve despite support, or concerns become more significant, the academy may need to take further action in line with our Attendance Policy and local and national attendance procedures.
We will communicate with families throughout this process and make our concerns and expectations clear.
Let's Talk Early
We strongly encourage families not to wait until attendance has become a significant concern before speaking to us.
If your child is finding it difficult to attend school, their attendance is beginning to decline or there are circumstances at home that may affect their attendance, please get in touch.
Working together early can make a significant difference.
