Attendance

The link between attendance and outcomes at GCSE is significant, with research indicating that attendance is a crucial factor in achieving successful outcomes. The Department for Education's report shows that pupils with higher attendance rates are more likely to achieve successful outcomes, particularly in key subjects like English and Maths. For instance, pupils with 95-100% attendance are 1.9 times more likely to achieve a Grade 5 in English and Maths GCSE compared to those attending 90-95% of the time. Missing just 10 days of Year 11 can reduce the likelihood of achieving a Grade 5 by approximately 50%. Even small improvements in attendance can have a substantial impact on attainment, with moving up just one 5% attendance band associated with an increased chance of achieving the expected outcome by at least 30% at KS2 and 10% at KS4.

For your information the school regards attendance levels as follows:

The school regularly monitors attendance and reports to both the Local Authority and the DfE the percentage of authorised and unauthorised absences and details of any students who are persistently absent. High attendance, above 95%, is expected; if a child’s attendance drops below this percentage we will contact parents.

Reporting absence

Should your child be absent from school for any reason, please email our absence line on studentabsence@johnwarner.herts.sch.uk before 8.15am stating your child’s name, form and the reason.

Alternatively, you should telephone the school on 01992 449605 before 8.15am and leave a clear message stating your child’s name, form and the reason for absence.

Parents must call before 8.15am everyday that your child is absent.

Should a child not be present in school and no reason has been provided, we will attempt to contact you via email/phonecall/text. We will attempt all adults identified as contacts for the child. This absence will be unauthorised until we receive a sufficient explanation from you.

Lateness

Students should register for the am session in their form groups daily at 8:40am.

Students who are late to school should sign in at the late gate and record the reason for their lateness. Parents/carers should inform the school if your child is going to be late and the reason.

Persistent lateness will be monitored and followed up with individual families.

Medical Appointments

Where possible all medical appointments should be made outside of school hours.  You should advise us of any medical appointments on  studentabsence@johnwarner.herts.sch.uk or

 01992 449605

Holidays

The school will not authorise the request for holidays during term time. The school and the Local Authority take the view that taking children out of school during term time can be damaging to a child’s educational progress. Children find it very difficult to catch up on the learning that they have missed and in the longer term this can have a negative impact on their progress.

Support

Our pastoral team are very experienced and will work with you to identify any issues that your child may be experiencing and support where possible. If necessary, they can signpost you to supporting organisations or refer you to specialist services.   

Attendance Officer: Mrs Mitchell

Attendance Champion: Assistant Headteacher Pastoral – Mrs Walters

Mrs Walters (Assistant Headteacher)