Netherwood Academy seeks to ensure that all its students receive an education which enables them to reach their full potential.
Reporting an absence
Please report a student absence each day the student is absent.
Our preferred method for parents to report an absence is by calling (01226) 272000 and pressing 1 for Student Absence.
Excellent attendance is crucial if students are to fulfil their potential.
To benefit fully from the teaching, care and guidance – and the many opportunities – provided each day at Netherwood Academy, students must be regular and reliable attenders.
It is well understood that there is a strong link between excellent attendance and academic attainment (almost three quarters of students who have over 95% attendance achieve within the top bracket of performance at GCSE)*. We also know that Sixth Form and post-16 College and Apprenticeship applications place significant value on a track record of excellent attendance.
There are also significant benefits to excellent attendance beyond academic outcomes. Excellent attendance builds confidence and self-esteem, it supports relationships (including friendships) and opportunities to get involved and stay involved in lots of exciting and inspiring aspects of community life (including extra-curricular clubs and sports, music, languages and the expressive arts). At a time when all students have relatively recently ‘lost’ this face-to-face experience in school through ‘lockdown’ and ‘isolation’, being in school each and every day takes on an added significance.
Excellent attendance also means full participation in our comprehensive personal development curriculum – the opportunity to learn vital life-lessons on a journey to becoming capable citizens who can engage safely and fully with the teenage and adult world.
We appreciate that all students are likely to experience exceptional circumstances at some point, which keep them from attending school. Outside of these times it is vital that home and school work in partnership to ensure our young people attend and benefit each and every school day.
Students should look to return to school as swiftly and safely as possible following illness. Returning from illness can often be tiring. It’s important at these times that students prioritise attending school over evening and weekend activities. In school we have ‘quiet spaces’ at breaktime and lunchtime which can support students’ return following poor health. If you are concerned about your child’s return to school following illness, please contact your child’s Year Team for support and guidance. *DfE (2012).
‘Outstanding Attendance’ is considered to be 98% and above. Anything below 95% is a cause for concern and would trigger an investigation into the circumstances with a decision being made as to whether further action should be taken by the Academy.
Students whose attendance falls below 90% will be classed as a ‘Persistent Absentee’ in line with government classification. If their attendance falls to this level we may make a referral to Education Welfare Service who will work with the family to improve attendance or we may take legal action where necessary. Students who meet this criterion will be monitored and if their attendance fails to improve a Penalty Notice fine may be issued. (Appendix 1)
• The Academy attendance target is to be above 97%.
• The Academy operates a first day of absence notification to reduce truancy.
• Netherwood Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Responding to attendance concerns is a safeguarding matter and will be treated as such.
To support your child’s attendance, here are some things to consider:
Set a positive example. How you talk about school and attendance is important. Be mindful. Don’t say negative things about school. Be clear that school is an important part of everyday life. One simple way you can reinforce this is to tell your children that it’s ‘time to get up for school’ on weekdays, not just ‘time to get up’. Make any appointments outside of school hours where you can, and do not take your child on holiday during term time.
Establish routines. Get into a morning routine at home and see how your child responds. Some people need to prepare mentally for the day ahead, and your child may need more time to get ready before school. Talk about their morning routine, and how long they need to take a shower, get dressed and have breakfast. Having a regular routine where your child is always focused on the next task can be a good way to motivate them. Breakfast can also be used as an opportunity to talk, relax, and make the day ahead seem less daunting.
Understand why your child doesn’t want to go to school. The links below (to Young Minds, Family Lives ) contain some helpful and supportive advice where your child has expressed that they don’t want to go to school (perhaps due to issues in a particular lesson, social/friendship issues, learning issues etc.). The Barnsley Council link gives information about what can happen if they do not attend.
Stay in contact with Netherwood Academy. Please ask for support when you encounter problems. Explain what you’re doing to improve your child’s school attendance and ask for advice. You can contact your child’s Form Tutor or our Attendance Manager Kay Greaves on kay.greaves@astreanetherwood.org
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/school-anxiety-and-refusal/
Holidays/time off during term time
In accordance with government guidelines, any time taken off during term term will be unauthorised, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Exceptional circumstances can only be authorised by the headteacher and parents should put requests by completing an Application for Leave of Absence form available from the Attendance Office. Please allow plenty of time for your request to be considered where possible.
It is particularly important that students do not take time off in Years 10 and 11, as they have coursework deadlines, controlled assessments, exams etc.
Contacting your child/ren during the school day
Should you have an urgent message to communicate to your son/daughter, please contact School Reception in the first instance on 01226 272000 and a message will be taken to your son/ daughter asking them to come down to Reception. Depending upon the urgency of the situation, students could be called to come to Reception straight away, at the end of the lesson or during break/ lunchtime.
Please download the Barnsley Leave of Absence Request Form by clicking here.
Please download and read the Barnsley Elective Home Education Policy by clicking here.
Please download and read the Barnsley Children Missing Education Policy by clicking here.