At Leighton Academy, we believe that everyday matters, because consistent attendance helps children in a magnitude of ways; to learn, secure friendships and enjoy all the exciting, enriching opportunities that school offers. We are commited to working alongside every family to ensure our minimum expectation of at least 96% attendance, for every child, is a target which we meet.
We provide an effective attendance monitoring system which enables us to support low attendance where needed and challenge behaviour of parents/carers who give low priority to school attendance.
Key Staff Members:
Mrs S Thompson: Overall responsibility for Attendance
Miss P Lockitt: Attendance Officer
Miss J Tomlinson: Clerical Officer
Mrs V Dopierala: Clerical Officer
School Attendance Steps / Policy:
We have an effective attendance monitoring system in place, backed by our Trust, which enables us to support low attendance where needed, and challenge the choices of parents/carers who give low priority to school attendance.
If your child’s attendance declines, we’ll take these steps:
- Letter 1 – If attendance drops below 96%, we will send a letter to alert you.
- Letter 2 and Raising Attendance Plan – If attendance doesn’t improve, we’ll work with you to plan how we can both ensure your child is attending school.
- Letter 3 and Meeting – A meeting with school leaders to talk about how we can help.
- Notice to Improve – If attendance still doesn’t get better, the Local Authority may get involved.
Reporting Pupil Absence
If your child is absent from school, you must notify Leighton Academy each day of absence either by phone, 01270 814016, or via email, admin@leighton.cheshire.sch.uk.
You must report the absence each day even if the reason for absence is the same.
Punctuality
Pupils can arrive at school between 8:35am and 9:00am. Pupils are welcomed every morning on the KS1 and KS2 doors by familiar members of staff.
If a child arrives at school after 9:00am without a known prior arrangement, children will report to Reception and receive a late (L) mark.
If a child arrives at school after 9:20am, without a known prior arrangement, children will report to Reception and receive late after register closes (U) mark.
Continuous late marks are just as detrimental as absences. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming start to the day and it is essential that, unless there are mitigating cirumstances, children are in the classroom and ready to learn with their peers at teacher on time. Disrupted mornings have an impact on children's learning and how they settle throughout the day.
Term Time Absence Requests
As detailed in our Attendance Policy, and in line with DfE guidance, we do not authorise leave of absence during term other than when exceptional circumstances permit. If you wish to take your child out of school during term time, it is important to discuss this with us as much in advance as possible, so we can guide you through the process.
However, where absence is unauthorised, it could lead to further action being taken including a penalty notice being issued. Department for Education information regarding this is available by clicking here.
Leave of Absence Request Online Form
Concerns around Attendance? We are here to help.
If you’re finding it hard to get your child to school, please talk to us. We can help with:
- Support for emotional well-being
- Help with routines
- Advice for medical or SEND needs
- Referrals to external agencies who can also support you.
Thank you for working with us to make sure every child at Leighton Academy has the best start to the year.