Attendance and Absence
The Importance of Excellent Attendance
Excellent attendance is essential for a successful education and is directly linked to excellent progress. Missing school means students miss out on the sequenced teaching of new topics and skills, which can place them at a significant disadvantage, particularly during the crucial GCSE years of 10 and 11.
We believe that being in school every day is fundamental to achieving our ambitious goals. To celebrate this commitment, students with 100% attendance are entered into a prize draw each half term.
How to Report an Absence
All school absences must be reported by 8:55 am on the first day of absence.
- Call: 01768 210206 (Option 3)
- Email: attendance@ullswatercc.co.uk
Please note: It is vital that you notify our dedicated attendance team and not your child’s Form Tutor. For safeguarding reasons, we need to know where students are as quickly as possible, and teachers are often unable to check emails during the school day.
Requesting Leave of Absence
The law is clear that Headteachers cannot grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are “exceptional” circumstances. There is no automatic right to family holidays during term time.
Requests for the following will not be approved unless truly exceptional circumstances can be shown:
- Family holidays arranged for cost or convenience.
- Visiting relatives.
- Family day trips.
Examples of “exceptional” circumstances that may be considered include the serious illness of a close family member, a funeral, or representation in a national sports team.
To request a leave of absence, please email attendance@ullswatercc.co.uk to receive an electronic request form.
Illness and Medical Appointments
If your child is not well enough to attend school, please notify us before 8:55 am. If we do not hear from a parent/carer, we will contact you on the first day of absence. For guidance on when a child is “too ill for school”, please refer to the official NHS guidance here.
We ask that all medical and dental appointments are made outside of school hours where possible. If an appointment during school hours is unavoidable, please notify the attendance team in advance. Your child must sign out at reception before leaving and sign back in upon their return.
Meet the Attendance Team
- Ms Habblett, Attendance Officer
- Mrs Higgins, Senior Attendance Lead
