Attendance at Harris Beulah Hill

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is essential for academic success and student wellbeing. Missing school can significantly impact learning, progress, and social development. At Harris Beulah Hill, we expect all students to aim for at least 96% attendance.

How Attendance Raises Achievement

• Consistent attendance ensures students are present for lessons, discussions, and activities, maximizing their learning opportunities.
• Regular attendance allows for continuous learning, reducing gaps in knowledge and improving academic performance.
• Being in school helps students build positive relationships with teachers and peers, supporting engagement and wellbeing.
• Students who attend regularly are more likely to feel connected to the school community, leading to better behaviour and participation.
• Good attendance is linked to higher academic results, better post-16 options, and long-term success.

Student Expectations

Students play a vital role in maintaining high attendance and contributing to a positive school culture. The following expectations outline their responsibilities:

• Students are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time.
• Students are expected to be in school by 8.25am
• Take Responsibility: Understand the importance of regular attendance and take ownership of being present every day.
• Be Punctual: Arrive on school on time and lessons to maximise learning opportunities and show respect for others.
• Communicate Clearly: Ensure parents/carers inform the school promptly if unable to attend due to illness or other valid reasons.
• Engage Fully: Actively participate in lessons and school activities, not just be physically present.
• Understand the Impact: Recognise how attendance affects academic progress, relationships, and future opportunities.

Parents/Carers Expectations

At Harris Beulah Hill, we believe that strong attendance is a shared responsibility between school and home. Parents play a vital role in ensuring their child attends school regularly and punctually. Below are our expectations for parents regarding attendance:

• Ensure your child attends school every day unless they are genuinely unwell.
• Report any absences by 8:25am on the day of absence via phone or email.
• Provide medical evidence for absences when requested.
• Support your child in arriving to school on time each day.
• Avoid taking holidays during term time.
• Attend meetings with school staff when attendance concerns arise.
• Promote the importance of education and regular attendance at home.

How does your child's school support Attendance

We clearly signpost the student's attendance with the relevant staff group to work with. We reward the students who are doing really well and support those who need some assistance. For example, we have welfare calls and check ins by the following staff: tutors, HOY, Attendance Officer, and EWO.  These staff members are informed weekly about who they are working with, and the progress of individual attendance is shared.

How Parents/Carers Can Support Their Child's Attendance

Supporting your child's attendance is one of the most impactful things you can do to help them succeed at school. Here are some practical ways you can help:

Establish a Consistent Routine

• Set regular bedtimes and wake-up times to ensure your child is well-rested.
• Prepare school bags, uniforms, and lunches the night before to reduce morning stress.

Communicate with the School

• Report absences promptly and provide reasons.
• Keep the school informed about any issues affecting attendance (e.g. illness, family matters).

Talk About the Importance of Attendance

• Help your child understand how missing school affects their learning and friendships.
• Celebrate good attendance and praise their efforts.

Support Their Wellbeing

• Monitor your child’s mental and physical health.
• If they’re anxious or unhappy about school, speak to their teacher or pastoral team early.

Avoid Unnecessary Absences

• Book medical appointments outside of school hours where possible.
• Avoid taking holidays during term time.

Encourage Responsibility

• Help your child take ownership of their attendance and punctuality.
• Encourage them to be organised and ready for school each day.

Attendance Monitoring

Attendance is monitored regularly by our HALO, attendance officer and pastoral teams. Students with low attendance may be invited to meetings to discuss support strategies and interventions.

Absences must be authorised by the school, and holidays during term time are strongly discouraged. Persistent lateness or unauthorised absences may result in further action.

Attendance Support

We offer support for families facing challenges with attendance. This includes referrals to external services such as Early Help and CAMHS, as well as in-school attendance clinics.

Attendance Rewards & Recognition

Good attendance is celebrated through certificates, reward trips, and recognition in assemblies. Term and yearly awards are given to students with outstanding attendance.

FAQs - please click here for general question you may have about attendance.

Attendance Percentages and Days Missed – Whole year  

Attendance (%)	Days Missed (out of 190)
100%	0
99%	2
98%	4
97%	6
96%	8
95%	10
94%	11
93%	13
92%	15
91%	17
90%	19
85%	29
80%	38
75%	48
70%	57
65%	67
60%	76
50%	95

 

Further guidance support with attendance

Should I send my child to school?

Parents and carers are advised to check the NHS advice on whether or not a child is considered too ill to attend school

Information from UK Government's attendance hub