The importance of regular student attendance cannot be overstated. Consistent presence in the classroom directly correlates with academic achievement and personal development. Research indicates that students who attend school regularly are more likely to excel in their studies, build strong peer relationships, and develop essential life skills. Furthermore, frequent absences can lead to significant learning gaps, hampering future prospects. Schools, parents, and communities must collaborate to foster an environment that promotes and prioritises attendance, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Ms Annamarie Ellis
Assistant Headteacher
Attendance, Behaviour and Welfare, DDSL
Woolston Brook School has a clear attendance policy focused on ensuring students attend school regularly and punctually. The school monitors attendance closely and expects students to attend every day, unless there is an unavoidable reason. Unauthorised absences, including term-time holidays, are not permitted, and parents can face fines for persistent unauthorised absences.
Key aspects of Woolston Brooks attendance policy include:
Regular Attendance
Students are expected to attend school every day.
Punctuality
Students should arrive on time. Arriving after 9:15 AM is recorded as a late, according to the school website. On entry to our school parents/ carers issued with a pack containing transport applications. If you are struggling with transport please email AHTQAS@woolstonbrook.warrington.sch.uk. Here at Woolston Brook we will help and assist with transport issues until resolved or plan in place.
Reporting Absences
Parents/carers are required to notify the school on the first day of absence, preferably by calling or emailing before 8:45 am. Evidence of sickness/ GP appointments will be asked for regarding record keeping. After 3 days absence a home visit will take place as per our safeguarding policy.
Unauthorised Absences
Absences for reasons not deemed acceptable by the school (e.g., holidays during term time) are considered unauthorised.
Monitoring and Intervention
Woolston Brook monitors attendance closely and will contact parents when a student's attendance is a concern vis phone calls, emails and statutory letters. If at monitoring stage and no improvement shown-meetings are held via tutor teams, Pastoral Lead, Assistant Head or local authority depending on level of need. In all cases an attendance plan will be set with reachable targets and support.
Local Authority Notification:
Woolston Brook will inform the local authority of pupils who are persistently absent or have been absent for 10 or more consecutive school days without permission. If not seen for three days a home visit will take place. If we are consistently not able to gain contact with you as part of our safe guarding process - police welfare will be informed.
Fines for Unauthorised Absence
Local authorities may issue fines to parents for unauthorised absences, especially when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons.
Requests for Absence
Parents should submit a request form to the school for any planned absences. Letters or phone calls are not accepted, according to the school website.
Good Attendance
A good attendance record is considered to be 95% or higher.
Parental Responsibility
Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually.
First Day Absence
Can parents please call or e-mail school on a pupil's first day of absence.
School Office: 01925 818549
Request for Student Leave of Absence during term time
To request absence from school, parents must complete a request form and bring it into school to discuss with the Attendance Officer. A Leave of Absence Response Form will then be completed.
Requests for absence via letters or phone calls will not be accepted.
