Attendance and Punctuality

Senior Attendance Lead: Matt Foster

Most Pupils at Oasis Academy Aspinal have attendance rates of 97% or more and we would like to thank you for supporting your child’s education by encouraging good attendance.

Good attendance, which is 97% of the academic year is essential for pupils to get the most out of their school experience, including their attainment, wellbeing and wider life chances. The pupils with the highest attainment have higher rates of attendance.

In September 2015, the government changed the threshold for persistent absence from 85% to 90%.

90% attendance= 19 days a year missed or a day off every 2 weeks

A pupil is persistently absent (PA) when they are absent for at least 10% of their school sessions, typically 19 days over the course of an academic year.

A pupil is severely absent (SA) when they are absent for at least 50% of their school sessions, typically 90 days over the course of an academic year.

When a pupil is deemed to be at risk of becoming PA, the SAC will ensure that the academy identifies a member of staff to work with the parents. They will:

Hold a meeting with the parents.
Address any in-school barriers to attendance.
Agree actions to remove the barriers.
Make referrals to services or organisations which can support, where the barriers are outside of the academy’s control.

Where absence intensifies, the school will work with the Local Authority and other relevant partners. This may result in the provision of:

Mentoring.
Careers advice.
College placements.
1-2-1 tuition.
SEN support or an application for an ECHP where appropriate.
Alternative provision.
Voluntary family early help assessment.
Early Help for Attendance Framework.

Fixed penalty notices can be issued to each parent liable for the attendance offence. The penalty is £80 if paid within 21 days of receipt, rising to £160 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days. The payment must be paid direct to the local authority. There is no right of appeal by parents against a fixed penalty notice. The academy follows the Local Authority Code of Conduct in relation to issuing fixed penalty notices.

There will be earlier intervention from school and more communication if attendance becomes a concern. Your child be identified as a persistent absence during the year if they are absent the following amounts: