Attendance
At St. Matthew’s RC High School, we value excellent attendance as a cornerstone of academic success. Ensuring your child attends school regularly and punctually is vital for their learning and overall progress. Below, you’ll find important information and guidelines regarding attendance.
Why Attendance Matters
- Attendance in school is essential for all pupils, as governed by the Department for Education (DfE).
- If students are not in school, they are not learning. Please remember that every school day is important for your child
Expectations
- High attendance: We expect pupils to attend school at least 97% of the time. Research shows a strong link between high attendance and academic success.
- Punctuality: All students must arrive on time, ready to learn with the correct equipment (e.g., pencil case, PE kit, planner). School opens at 7:30 am for breakfast, and all students must arrive by 8:30 am.
Illness or Absence:
- Assess the severity of your child’s condition before keeping them home. Minor ailments, such as coughs or colds, typically improve once pupils are in school with their peers.
- For extended or recurring health issues, contact your child’s Head of Year to set up a supportive action plan.
- Non-urgent medical appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. If unavoidable, students should attend school before or after the appointment to maintain their attendance marks.
Reporting students’ absence
If your child will be absent, please notify the school by:
- Calling the Attendance Team at 0161 681 6178 (Option 1) after 8:00 am.
- Emailing attendance@smrchs.com.
Absences without a valid reason by 9:00 am will prompt follow-up calls to parents/carers.
Authorising absence from school
The government requires students to aim for at least 97% attendance. If your child’s attendance falls below 94%, medical evidence will be required for any further absences. Evidence may include:
- Appointment cards or letters.
- Photos of prescriptions or medication packaging with your child’s name and date.
- Hospital discharge letters.
- A doctor’s “unfit for school” note.
All medical evidence can be emailed to attendance@smrchs.com
We will always acknowledge receipt of your email and authorise the absence
Unauthorised Absences
The following reasons will not be accepted for absence:
- Birthdays, family holidays, or anniversaries.
- Caring for family members.
- Minor issues like head lice or lack of uniform.
- Non-urgent travel problems or school refusal.
Exceptional Circumstances
Absences may be authorised for:
- Immediate family bereavement, serious illness, or funerals.
- Religious observances.
- Sporting or performing arts events at county level or above (with supporting documentation).
- Immediate family weddings or graduations (one day only, with evidence).
Persistent Absence
The DfE defines persistent absence as attendance below 90% (equivalent to 19+ days missed per year). Persistent absence disrupts learning and can have long-term consequences.
If your child’s attendance falls below this threshold, you will be contacted and invited to school to create a Parent Contract. Regular updates will be provided via letters or calls to ensure you are informed.
Term-Time Leave
As of September 2013, parents are not entitled to take children on holiday during term time. From September 2024, unauthorised leave will result in penalties:
- £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
- £160 per parent, per child if paid between 22–28 days.
Repeated unauthorised absences may lead to prosecution and a criminal conviction.
Home Visits
Home visits may occur when:
- No reason for absence has been provided.
- A student is absent on a Monday following an absence on Friday.
- Absence extends beyond three consecutive days.
During visits, we will request to see your child where possible.
For further information or support, please contact the Attendance Team at attendance@smrchs.com.
