Attendance

At Cromwell we seek to ensure that our pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise their true potential. The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels wanted and secure. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

The school challenge the behaviour of those pupils and parents who give low priority to attendance and punctuality.

To meet these objectives Cromwell has established an effective and efficient system of communication with pupils, parents and appropriate agencies to provide mutual information, advice and support.

Punctuality

Primary Phase

Pupils can come into school from 8:40am and the school day starts promptly at 8:55am. If a child arrives at school after 8:55am without prior arrangement, he/she will be deemed late. Registers close at 9:00am and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Pupils arriving at school after 8:55am must enter through the main gates and report to the school office to be signed in by an adult. Pupils leaving school for any reason before the end of the normal school day must report to the office before they go so that we can ensure that they are appropriately signed out. Registers are also taken when the children return to classes after lunch. Unexplained absences will be investigated by the Welfare and Attendance Officer.

Secondary Phase

The punctuality requirements for the Secondary phase are the same as in Primary. However pupils must be present in their Form rooms at 8:50am.

What can Parents/Carers do?

Ensure that your child attends school regularly and is always on time
To offer a reason, or medical proof, before or on each day of any absence. Absences can be reported using the ParentMail app, email to studentabsence@cromwell.cambs.sch.uk or by telephone (01354 692193, choose option to report student absence)
To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness
To work closely with the school Welfare and Attendance Manager, Mrs Robson, to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance or to request support
To take family holidays during school holiday periods. Please be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused, except in very exceptional circumstances, and may subsequently lead to the issue of a Penalty Notice
To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regard to attendance during important academic times such as exams

Benefits of a Good Attendance

There are many benefits of a good attendance rate and these can help define a pupil’s future. These benefits include:

Creates a positive impression for school reference
Improved attainment in national examinations
Increased opportunities and awareness
Demonstrating admirable qualities of endurance, determination and resilience
Less risk of isolation and low self esteem
More positive social life

Attendance rates can impact on a pupil's report and will be used in future reference checks by colleges, universities and employers.

Key things to remember

Regular attendance is a legal requirement
Attendance is expected to be 100%
Good and excellent attendance will be recognised and rewarded

If attendance falls below 96%, pupils will be monitored closely and may be referred to the LAAO (Local Authority Attendance Officer)
Holidays taken during term time can not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances
Medical appointments are best arranged outside the school day where possible
Punctuality is also important and will be monitored regularly

PRIMARY PHASE ATTENDANCE NEWSLETTER

School Leaving Age

In 2013 the government raised the participation age of school leavers, which means that every child must stay in some form of training or education until they are 18. This could be in the following:

Full time education, e.g. sixth form or college
An apprenticeship or traineeship
Work or volunteering (20 hours or more a week) while in part time education or training

Click here for Cromwell’s Attendance Policy

Click here for further information on school attendance from our local authority

Click here for further information on school attendance form the government's website