At Armfield Academy, Attendance Matters!

1. Introduction: The Importance of Attendance

At Armfield Academy, we believe every student deserves the best possible start in life. Attending school every day is not only a legal responsibility for parents and carers, but it is also the most vital foundation for your child’s future success. Every school day counts, and every single moment within it matters. We are committed to working alongside you to ensure your child feels supported, happy, and ready to thrive within our academy community.

Please note: Any term-time holidays are unauthorised and will not be approved. All family holidays should be scheduled exclusively during half-term or summer breaks. 

Consistent attendance provides our students with:

  • Academic Achievement: Missing 19 days in a year (90% attendance) equals an entire month of learning lost. Staying in school gives students the opportunity to reach their full potential and secure top grades.
  • Social Development & Belonging: Daily presence maintains stability in building friendships, creating a strong connection to our school community.
  • Knowledge & Skills: Learning builds day by day; regular attendance prevents knowledge gaps from forming so coming to school never feels like a struggle.
  • Positive Routines: Establishing daily habits builds self-discipline that lasts long into adulthood.

 

2. Punctuality Requirements: "Lost Minutes = Lost Learning"

Arriving on time is a critical life skill that ensures students are calm, prepared, and ready to learn. Every school day counts, but every minute is equally important.

5 minutes late per day = 3 days lost per year

10 minutes late per day = 6.5 days lost per year

15 minutes late per day = 10 days lost per year

20 minutes late per day = 13 days lost per year

30 minutes late per day = 19 days lost per year

Morning Expectations & Arrival

Gate Opens: 8:20 am (Secondary) & 8.30 am (Primary)

Arrival on Site: Students should aim to be on site no later than 8:40 am.

School Day Starts: 8:45 am prompt.

Consequences for Lateness: Punctuality is non-negotiable. Any student arriving late will receive a late mark and serve a same-day detention (Secondary). Students arriving after 9:15 am receive a U mark.

 

3. Attendance Targets & The Impact of Absences

Armfield Academy maintains high expectations because we know what our students are capable of achieving.

Target Level

Attendance Percentage

Academic & Long-Term Impact

Minimum Requirement

95%

Expected minimum to avoid significant learning gaps.

The Ultimate Goal

100%

Maximises achievement and unlocks academy rewards.

At-Risk Threshold

90%

Equals 19 missed days a year (1 month lost) or nearly 100 days lost over 5 years (half an academic year).

 

4. Parental Responsibilities & Daily Habits for Success

Success is a partnership between school and home. We ask parents and carers to support three core pillars:

  1. Ensure your child attends school every day and arrives on time.
  2. Ensure your child wears the correct uniform to foster a professional mindset.
  3. Contact the academy straight away if barriers arise so we can help.

Practical Strategies to Support High Attendance

  • Night-Before Preparation: Lay out uniform, pack bags, and check timetables the night before to eliminate morning panic and stress.
  • Protect Sleep Hygiene: Turn off screens and phones 30–60 minutes before bed to guarantee 8–9 hours of rest, making early wake-ups easier.
  • Morning Buddy System: Partner up with a peer on the same route to keep each other accountable for arriving on time.
  • The 10-Minute Rule: On low-motivation days, encourage your child to focus just on getting through the door for the first lesson; momentum usually carries them through the rest of the day.
  • Protect the Streak: Help children adopt a "streak mindset" (like keeping an app streak alive) to take pride in continuous daily attendance.
  • Early Communication: If personal, social, or academic worries occur, contact your child's Form Tutor, Phase Lead, or Student Mentor right away to resolve issues early.

 

5. Managing Minor Illnesses & Absence Procedures

Ensuring regular attendance is a shared legal duty. While our first priority is supporting families, the academy is legally required to report persistent non-attendance to the Local Authority.

  • Managing Mild Illness: There is a clear difference between a severe illness and minor discomfort (such as a mild cold, headache, or tiredness). We encourage students to attend with a water bottle. If their health worsens during the day, academy staff will contact home.
  • Absence Reporting: If your child is truly too unwell to attend, you must contact the academy directly with a specific reason. Unexplained absences will be followed up via phone call or home visit as a vital safeguarding measure.
  • Leaves of Absence: Under The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024, Headteachers cannot grant leave during term time unless under rare, exceptional circumstances. Family holidays do not qualify. Unauthorised term-time absences may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) from the Local Authority.

 

6. Celebrating Success & Streaks

Recognising commitment inspires a positive school culture. We actively celebrate students who show up every day:

  • Attendance Leaderboards: Regular updates spotlighting top-performing year groups and tutor groups
  • Keep the Streak: Half-termly recognition for pupils maintaining continuous, unbroken attendance streaks and intermittent celebration of 5 day streaks. 
  • Attendance Draws: Termly prize draws for students achieving 100% attendance in a half term or most improved attendance.

 

7. "Under the Weather" Form

To streamline support for Secondary students who are slightly unwell but ready to learn, we use our Under the Weather form. If your child is dealing with minor ailments, mild anxiety, or minor injuries, complete this form before the school day begins so our pastoral team can monitor and support them throughout the day. Parents or carers of Primary students report any ailments or injuries to class teachers at drop-off. 

 

 

8. Collaborative Support and Contact Information

Our mission is to work collaboratively with you. If you are facing difficulties or barriers in getting your child into school, please do not wait. Reach out to us at the earliest opportunity so we can provide the support and guidance your family needs.

Armfield Academy