Working together to support great attendance

Excellent attendance gives students the best chance to succeed, build confidence, and enjoy school life. By us working together as a team, with families and school staff we can ensure every student attends regularly and makes the most of every learning opportunity.

We understand that children are sometimes too unwell to come to school, and when this happens, staying at home is the right decision. However, many common illnesses, such as coughs, colds, and minor ailments, do not always mean a child needs to miss school. The NHS provides helpful guidance for parents on deciding whether a child is well enough to attend school – Is my child too ill for school?.

We ask parents and carers, wherever possible, to arrange routine medical, dental and orthodontic appointments outside of the school day or during school holidays. This helps to minimise disruption to learning and ensures that students can make the most of every lesson.

We understand that it is not always possible to secure appointments outside school hours. In these circumstances, we ask families to ensure that students attend school before and/or after their appointment wherever possible, rather than missing a full day of learning.

Great attendance supports both academic success and mental wellbeing. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to feel connected, develop positive friendships, access support when needed, and maintain healthy routines that support their emotional wellbeing. Research also shows that students with attendance above 96% achieve significantly better outcomes, giving them the best opportunity to reach their full academic potential.

Attendance Team

Our Attendance Team is committed to working closely with families to ensure every student feels supported, valued and able to achieve their very best.

Form Tutors are the first point of contact for students and families, building positive daily relationships and helping students to feel welcomed, valued and ready to learn. They play an important role in monitoring attendance, celebrating success and identifying any concerns at an early stage.

Our Heads of Year provide additional support and work closely with students, families and staff to address any barriers that may be affecting attendance. Whether a student is experiencing friendship difficulties, anxiety, wellbeing concerns or other challenges, Heads of Year are committed to finding solutions and ensuring that every young person feels supported.

Our Attendance team are the main point of contact when your child is unwell and are always available to offer support and guidance. Mrs Walton, our Strategic Attendance Lead, is passionate about building strong partnerships with families, recognising that working together is key to helping students achieve excellent attendance and fulfil their potential. Mrs Tyzack, our Senior Leadership Team Attendance Lead, champions positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging across the school, ensuring that every student feels connected, supported and inspired to attend regularly.

Together, the team is dedicated to championing our students and helping them become the very best that they can be.

To contact the team please email attendance@samuelward.co.uk

The video below looks in more detail at illness absence and staying healthy.