We are committed to working with parents to promote regular attendance and punctuality.  

Rowsley is proud of its high level of attendance which is above the average for similar schools nationally and is consistently above 96%.  It is important that children develop positive patterns of attendance and punctuality in order to have the best chance of making good educational progress. 

Your Role as a Parent/Carer

• Parents should notify the school if a student is absent. This includes ringing the school reception each day a student will be off ill, unless an indication of how long they’re expected to be off has been given.
•  It is a parent/carers’ legal obligation to get their child into school.
•  If you’re struggling to get your child into school, speak to their class teacher or Mrs Wyer, who can help offer support for you and your child.
• All notes will be retained.
• Standard letters are sent out every term for students whose attendance falls below 90%.
• Attendance panel meetings will be held every term for students with an attendance of below 85% and the child’s parent/carer will be asked to attend.

Late arrivals

Late arrivals (anyone arriving after 9.00am) should enter School via the School Office and are logged each day. The parents of pupils who are late more than occasionally will be invited to discuss the issue with the Head Teacher.

Lateness has a detrimental effect on children's learning:

• 5 minutes late each day = 3 days of lost learning
• 15 minutes late each day = 10 days of lost learning
• 30 minutes late each day = 19 days of lost learning 

Requesting term time absence

The Government made amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 which came into force on 1 September 2013. These state that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence for holidays during the term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their children receive education in accordance with section 7 of the Education Act 1996 and if on a school roll they regularly attend school. 

Attendance Strategy

At the Peak Tor Federation we are committed to ensuring that all of our pupils attend school whenever they are able. Improving pupil attendance can have a significant positive impact on students' educational outcomes and overall well-being. Here are some strategies to we are implementing to help improve attendance:

1. Analyse attendance data: We analyse attendance data to identify patterns and trends. We look for specific groups or individuals who consistently have lower attendance rates to try and help us understand the root causes of poor attendance and target interventions effectively.
2. Raise awareness: We have developed a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness among parents, students, and staff about the importance of regular attendance. We highlight the benefits of attending school regularly and the potential consequences of persistent absence.
3. Parental engagement: As a school we pride ourselves on our relationships with our pupils and parents. We actively engage parents or guardians in supporting their child's attendance by establishing strong lines of communication between the school and parents to address any concerns or barriers to attendance. We provide regular updates on attendance (once each term) and involve parents in developing attendance improvement plans.
4. Individual attendance plans: For students with chronic attendance issues (below 80%), we develop individual attendance plans in collaboration with the student, parents, and relevant school staff. These plans outline specific goals, strategies, and support mechanisms to improve attendance.
5. Mentorship and support: We have assigned key staff members to build relationships with students who have poor attendance records. These mentors can provide guidance, support, and motivation to help students overcome barriers to attendance. Regular check-ins and positive reinforcement can make a significant difference.
6. Positive school culture: We have worked tirelessly to ensure our schools are positive and inclusive places that encourage and celebrates attendance. Recognize and reward students with good attendance records through certificates, awards, or other incentives. We organize engaging activities or events that promote a sense of belonging and make students excited to come to school.
7. Early intervention: We have procedures in place to identify students at risk of poor attendance early on and intervene promptly. We work with our Family Support Practitioner and outside agencies so that we can offer additional support services, such as counselling, mentoring, tutoring, or academic catch-up programs, to help these students overcome any underlying issues affecting their attendance.
8. Targeted interventions: Design targeted interventions for specific groups or individuals with low attendance rates. Consider factors such as socioeconomic background, cultural diversity, language barriers, or individual circumstances when developing these interventions. Tailor support to meet their specific needs.
9. Collaborate with external agencies: We collaborate with external agencies, such as local authorities, social services, and community organizations, to provide comprehensive support to families and address any underlying issues that may contribute to poor attendance.
10. Continuous monitoring and evaluation: We continuously monitor attendance rates and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. We regularly review and adjust interventions based on the data to ensure ongoing improvement.

We recognise that improving attendance is a long-term effort that requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a focus on the importance of regular attendance, we aim to positively impact pupil’s attendance and contribute to students' overall success.