Attendance
At Arden, we have a whole school attendance target of 96%.
We collaborate closely with families regarding attendance to help every child reach their full potential.
By law, all children of compulsory school age (five to 16) must receive a suitable full-time education. Once your child is registered at school, you are legally responsible for ensuring they attend regularly. Failure to do so may result in a penalty notice or prosecution.
Being in school every day has positive benefits for children on:
- their learning
- their friendships
- their self-esteem and confidence.
We have an Attendance Panel at Arden, who monitor the attendance of every child in the school. In partnership with our Pastoral Team and the Education Welfare Officer from Stockport Council, we will work with and support those children and their families who are not attending school without sufficient reason.
90% attendance might sound acceptable, but it means that your child misses:
- one half day each week
- nearly four weeks every school year
- over one school year in a school career
Punctuality
The school gates open at 8.35am and the school doors open at 8.45am. Registers are taken at 8.50am, and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval, will be recorded as a late arrival. Registers close at 9.30am, and arrival after this time, without prior approval, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Pupils arriving at school after 8.50am must enter through the main gate and report to the school office to be signed in by an adult. Registers are also taken when the children return to classes after lunch. Unexplained absences will be investigated by the Attendance Lead.
What is expected of parents?
- To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum
- To offer a reason or medical proof for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the morning of the first day of absence
- To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, and provide a reason for any lateness
- To work closely with the school and Attendance Lead to resolve any problems that may impede a child's attendance
- To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused except in special/exceptional circumstances
- To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant regarding attendance during important academic times such as SATS
- To support their children and recognise their successes and achievements