Attendance at Harworth Church of England Academy
At Harworth Church of England Academy, we believe that excellent attendance is fundamental to every child’s wellbeing, progress, and long‑term success. Good attendance helps pupils build strong relationships, thrive academically, and feel fully part of our school community. This commitment aligns with national expectations, where the DfE emphasises that improving attendance requires a supportive, safe, and engaging school environment in which all pupils are ready to learn.
We work in partnership with families to remove any barriers to attendance and ensure that every pupil feels supported, valued, and able to achieve their full potential.
Why Attendance Matters
The DfE’s Working Together to Improve School Attendance guidance states that attendance is a shared responsibility across families, schools, and local authorities, and that pupils should receive holistic, whole‑family support when facing barriers to attending regularly.
Regular attendance:
- Ensures continuity in learning
- Builds secure routines and confidence
- Supports strong friendships and emotional wellbeing
- Contributes to positive long‑term outcomes
Our Expectations
We expect all children to attend school every day, unless absence is unavoidable due to illness or other authorised reasons. We aim to work proactively with families from the earliest signs of emerging absence to prevent patterns from developing, following the DfE’s expectation that schools take a support‑first approach.
Reporting Absence
If your child is unwell or unable to attend school:
- Please contact the school office before 9:00am on the first day of absence.
- Provide a reason for the absence.
- Keep us updated if the absence continues.
We may request medical evidence for certain absences where appropriate.
Authorised and Unauthorised Absence
Certain absences may be authorised, such as:
- Illness
- Medical appointments (where unavoidable and with proof)
- Exceptional circumstances
Absences may be unauthorised if:
- No reason is provided
- The reason does not meet required criteria
- Term‑time leave is taken without approval
Requests for leave of absence must be made in writing. The law requires that leave during term time is only granted in exceptional circumstances. The regulations governing leave apply to all maintained and academy schools in England.
Term‑Time Holidays
We cannot authorise holidays during term time unless the circumstances are truly exceptional. Taking unauthorised leave may result in referral to the local authority or penalty notices (from September 2026).
Supporting Pupils with Additional Needs
We recognise that some pupils—such as those with SEND, medical needs, or other vulnerabilities—may need additional support to maintain good attendance. National guidance states that these pupils should be offered tailored, whole‑family support as appropriate.
We work closely with families, health professionals, and other agencies to ensure every child can access school successfully.
Persistent or Severe Absence
If a child’s attendance falls below expected levels, we will:
- Identify barriers with the child and family
- Offer support meetings to create an attendance plan
- Work with external agencies if needed
- Monitor progress closely
Our approach is firmly rooted in early support rather than sanctions.
School Opening Hours
8.30am - 3.15pm
Working Together
Improving attendance is a partnership between families and school. We are here to help, and we encourage any parent with concerns about attendance to contact the school as early as possible. Our aim is always to support—not judge—and to ensure every child has the opportunity to flourish.
