WELCOME

WELCOME

Attendance

Attendance information.

Attendance

Attendance information.

Attendance

Attendance information.

At Fred Longworth High School we believe that regular school attendance is the key to enabling children and young people to maximise the educational opportunities available to them and become emotionally resilient, confident and competent adults who are able to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to their community.

The link between success at school and attendance is clear; we want all our students to succeed. Being in school on time are key ingredients for students to do well at school. If your child is unable to attend school you need to contact our Attendance Officer.

EDUCATION PENALTY NOTICE (EPN) WARNING

If a child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence during any 3 month period, an Education Penalty Notice (EPN) will be issued.

Under the Education Act 1996, parents and carers have a duty to make sure their children regularly attend school. If parents or carers fail to do this, they can be prosecuted.

Working within a Code of Conduct the Local Authority can issue a penalty notice to parents or carers if a child has missed a number of sessions without permission from the school.  If your child falls within one or more of these categories within a 12 week period:

  • 10 sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence with under 90% attendance

  • 20 sessions (10 days) of unauthorised absence 

  • persistently arrives late for school after the close of registration

You could receive a Penalty Notice of £60 which will increase to £120 if not paid within 21 days. The Penalty Notice will need to be paid in full before 28 days of the notice being served. Failure to pay a penalty notice may result in prosecution (a separate penalty notice may be issued to each parent for each child). 

In law, an offence is committed if a parent fails to secure a child’s regular attendance at school. Wigan Council Attendance Service, in conjunction with schools, will use these powers as an early deterrent to prevent patterns of unauthorised absence developing. 

You may also receive a Penalty Notice for the offence of failing to secure regular school attendance under the following circumstances: 

  • You fail to ensure that your child is not in a public place during the first 5 days of a fixed term or permanent exclusion. 

The Local Authority and schools are committed to providing the best possible future for your child. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance at school or if you are experiencing any difficulties please contact your school and ask for support. 

Parents / Carers have a responsibility to contact School on their child’s first day of absence with an explanation and likely duration:

Absence Line: 01942 881986

Please ensure you notify School of any changes to emergency contacts / numbers. 

  • We have a clear Attendance Policy. We make the decision to authorise absence. In certain cases medical evidence will be requested. Wherever possible please avoid medical / dental appointments during school hours.
  • If NO message is received on day one of absence, our Attendance Officer, Ms J Rea, will issue messages via our “InTouch” Messaging System, it is imperative you contact us on day one with a reason for your child’s absence
  • If on Day 3 no contact has been made a welfare check will be undertaken by the School.
  • Parents are notified of their child’s attendance regularly. i.e. progress review day, parents evening, interim reports and on-line reporting.
  • If your child’s attendance becomes a cause for concern, a letter will be emailed or posted to the child’s home address. Parents / carers could be invited to an attendance meeting in School with our Attendance Officer. A home visit could also be undertaken.
  • Unauthorised absences may result in a penalty notice being issued / legal court proceedings

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance please do not hesitate to make initial contact with Ms J Rea on 01942 881986.

How Attendance Measures are defined

100% OVER 3 TERMS – OUTSTANDING
100% – EXCELLENT
97 to 99.9% – GOOD
93 to 96.99% – ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
90.01% to 92.99% – DANGER ZONE
90% and below – SERIOUS CAUSE FOR CONCERN / POTENTIAL LEGAL ACTION

Further information

Information about requesting absence for your child during term time

Information about requesting absence for your child during term time