Attending school regularly is foundational to a student's academic, social, and personal growth. It plays a key role in ensuring that they are well prepared for future challenges, both in education and in life.

The attendance policy can be found on the policies page:

 

 

The school attendance target is 96% , at Bradfield we expect all students to have an attendance of at least 96%.

During Form time, your  child will be encouraged to keep a record of their weekly and cumulative attendance in their planners. 

If Your Child is Absent: 

If your child is absent you must contact us as soon as possible on the day of absence via one of the following methods:  

• Call Bradfield school on 0114 286 3861then choose Option 1 for absence reporting  and then Option 1 to report a student absence
• Call the absence line direct on 0114 286 5022

Email : attendance@bradfield.sheffield.sch.uk 

If your child is absent we will:

• Telephone and text you on the days of absence 
• Send a member of our Attendance Team, Safeguarding Manager, or year Manager to complete a home visit to your address where appropriate;  
• Invite you into school to discuss the situation with a member of our Attendance Team, Year Manager or Assistant Head Teacher where the absence is causing us concern
• Refer the matter to the Attendance and Inclusion Service within the Local Authority if necessary. This may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (fine) or legal prosecution. 

Illness

Is my child too ill for school?

 

 

Holidays 

THE SCHOOL WILL NOT AUTHORISE A CHILD TO TAKE HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME. Parents do not have the legal right to take children out of school for holidays.  

• It is not true that students can ‘catch up’. Research shows that by missing lessons, students fall behind, and lessons are NOT repeated at a later date;  
• Any holidays are expected to be taken as part of the 176 days available outside term time. 

Schools are quite within their rights to say that holidays in school time are not allowed. Parents who take their children out of school during the school term without the Headteacher’s authorisation or beyond an agreed date risk being issued with a Penalty Fine, Community Service or being prosecuted. 

In addition:  

• You risk losing your child’s place at school;  
• You risk your child’s future through lost learning and lower achievement;  
• You risk your child feeling left behind and left out.

The Law Relating to Attendance 

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states that ‘the parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive an efficient full time education suitable to age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he/she may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.’ 

The importance of Attendance 

Academic Success

• Consistent Learning: Regular attendance ensures that students do not miss important lessons, concepts, or assignments, which helps them build a strong understanding of the subjects they study.
• Students with an attendance of 95% and above are more likely to perform well in lessons and examinations , achieving or exceeding their target grades, because they are not missing out on crucial learning opportunities.
• School attendance of 95% and above helps students develop various skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management, which are essential for academic success.

Social Development

• School provides a social environment where students learn to interact with peers, form friendships, and develop communication skills. A attendance helps maintain these relationships.
• Being in school consistently allows students to participate in group activities, teamwork, and collaborative projects, all of which help improve their social and interpersonal skills.

 Emotional and Psychological Well-being

• Regular attendance helps students feel connected to their school community and promotes a sense of belonging, which is important for emotional well-being.
• Attending school regularly can build a student’s confidence as they stay up-to-date with their studies and receive positive feedback from teachers and peers.

Time Management and Responsibility

• Regular school attendance helps students develop discipline, time management skills, and responsibility by adhering to a schedule and managing workload
• Developing the habit of punctuality and regular attendance to school can prepare students for future responsibilities in the workplace and beyond.

Access to Resources and Support

• Regular attendance ensures students have access to teachers for feedback on learning and what the next steps are. 
• Many schools offer activities, clubs, or special events that students can participate in. Regular attendance ensures that they do not miss out on these enrichment opportunities.

 Preventing Long-Term Consequences

• Consistent attendance can help prevent students from falling behind academically, which is a leading cause of school dropout and /or students becoming a NEET (not in education, employment or training) post 16. 
• Missing school often leads to gaps in learning, making it harder to catch up and perform well later on. Regular attendance ensures continuity in learning and reduces the risk of falling behind.

Improved Attendance Habits for Future Success

• Preparation for Higher Education or Career: Regular school attendance can instil habits that are necessary for success in higher education or the workplace, such as being punctual, organised, and committed.

In summary, attending school regularly is foundational to a student's academic, social, and personal growth. It plays a key role in ensuring that they are well-prepared for future challenges, both in education and in life.

Lateness  

Students arriving later than 8.55am without a satisfactory explanation provided by parent/carer will be given a U code on the register. The U code will count as an unauthorised absence. We will maintain accurate and up-to-date records of who is present in the building for safeguarding reasons, but we will also be able to use persistent lateness as part of the wider work around providing support and challenge to students, parents and carers. 

Poor punctuality is not acceptable. If your child misses the start of the day they can miss work and vital information and news for the day. Late arrival students also disrupt lessons, can be embarrassing for the child and can also encourage absence. 

How we manage lateness:  

• The school day starts at 8.25am everyday and we expect your child to be in the form tutor period at that time.  
• Registers are marked at 8.25am and your child will receive a late mark if they are not in by that time.    
• If you child arrives after 8.25am they must sign in at reception.  

If there is a concern around punctuality, you will be asked to meet with a member of staff to resolve the problem. You can however also approach us at any time if you are having problems getting your child to school on time.

Attendance Rewards 

For our students to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and that they are in school and on time every day the school is open. A range of rewards are offered by school – the criteria for these rewards will be zero unauthorised absences.