Absence affects a child’s chances of gaining good grades at GCSE.  If a child has more than 20 days absence a year, they will have reduced their chances of success in exams by 75%.  Success in exams supports success in life.  National Government statistics indicate that any student with 95% attendance or less will drop a full grade in examinations.

In the case of absence/medical appointments etc parents need to telephone the Attendance Office direct on 01494 719901 or email the school on attendance@holmer.org.uk

First Day Absence:
Parents or carers must ring or email the school by 8.00am on 01494 719901 to advise of their child’s absence, the reason, and give an indication of the length of the absence.  The call or message will be recorded on our system.

Continuing Absence:

Parents or carers should inform the school daily of their child's ongoing absence.  Medical and attendance staff will stay in touch to monitor recovery progression.  In cases where a student begins to develop a pattern of absences or the absence is longer than expected, the school will try to resolve the problem with the parent or carer.  If this is unsuccessful the school will refer to the Education Welfare Officer.

Lateness and Medical Appointments:

Morning registration takes place at the start of school.  It is expected that all students are on site and ready for registration by 8:50am.  Students arriving after this time will receive a ‘late before registers close’ mark and a sanction, unless there is an acceptable explanation.  Any student arriving after the close of registration at 8.55am must sign in in the Attendance Office on arrival.  They will be marked as absent from the am registration and will have an unauthorised absence for the morning session unless there is an acceptable explanation.  For example, where the absence at morning registration was for attending an early morning medical appointment, the appropriate authorised absence code will be entered.  We respectfully request wherever possible medical appointments are made out of school hours so as not to impact on your child’s education.  Where it is unavoidable it is beneficial to make an appointment after your child has registered and that covers part of break or lunchtime as this has less impact on both their learning and personal attendance record.

Use of Crutches:
To meet health and safety requirements, any student needing crutches in school must report to the medical room with a letter or medical note outlining the reason they need them.   Only crutches provided by a medical practitioner/hospital for the specific injury can be accepted in school.   Each student using crutches will be provided with a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan to ensure they know how to leave the premises in an emergency.   

Please see our Attendance Policy on the Policy page.

Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.