The Abbey Woods Academy expects good attendance from its pupils, in order for them to make the most of the opportunities that the school has to offer. We rely on our partnership with parents to ensure that this is achieved.

Our children are praised for good attendance and children celebrate as a class if they have jointly achieved 100% attendance for the week.  We also celebrate at the end of every school term by awarding children with certificates whose attendance has been excellent (96% or more) and prizes are given to those children who have achieved 100% attendance for the full term.
Good attendance enables pupils to make good, consistent progress in their schoolwork.

EVERY SCHOOL DAY COUNTS
Days off school add up to lost learning
Click here to view the attendance graph
 
High Court judgment on unauthorised pupil absence

Despite what has been reported in the national news, it remains the case – as set out in the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 amended in 2013 – that Head Teachers continue to have the power to authorise leave of absence, but only in exceptional circumstances. While family holidays can be enriching experiences, the school year is designed to give families the opportunity for these breaks without having to disrupt their children’s education. It is for schools to consider the specific details and relevant context behind each request. Schools know their pupils best and are well placed to make those judgements.

Examples of the type of reasons where it might be appropriate for parents or carers of child to request leave of absence from school during term time would include:
·  Where it may be a unique / last opportunity to spend time with a relative
·  Where a holiday is recommended as part of a parent or child’s rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue. Evidence must be provided, from qualified professionals, such as a doctor
·  Service personnel returning from/scheduled to embark upon a tour of duty abroad
·  Where it is company / organisational policy for an employee to take leave at a specified time in the year and there is no opportunity for a family holiday in school holidays. This must be supported by documentary evidence from the organisation

Factors which would affect the granting of such absence would include:
·  The child’s existing and previous pattern of attendance
·  The leave must not have been booked already

The leave might not be granted in certain year groups or at certain times of the year. I do hope that you will do everything possible to support us in maintaining high levels of attendance for children across the school.