Kinver High School prides itself on the secure and happy environment we have created which allows our pupils to achieve their potential.

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Outstanding attendance and punctuality allow pupils to be successful at school, which in time increases the chances of a successful future and is also vital preparation for adult life.

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We expect all our students to attend school on time, all of the time. Although we understand that certain circumstances may result in absence at times and so we aim to create excellent home school links. We strongly believe that student attendance and punctuality are a shared responsibility and partnership between home, school, and the Education Welfare Officer (EWO). An effective and efficient system of communication between pupils, staff, parents and the appropriate agencies is essential in order for all students to reach their true and full potential.

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At Kinver High School we have high expectations for our students and so, we expect our students to achieve 96-100% attendance each academic year.

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Why attendance matters

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FACT: Being in school is important to your child’s achievement, wellbeing, wider development and mental health. 

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• Every moment in school counts, and days missed add up quickly.

• For the vast majority of students, the best place to be during term-time is in school, surrounded by the support of their friends, teachers and other support staff. 

• There is plenty of time for them (and you) to do other things together. Did you know that your child is only at school for 52% of a calendar year … the rest of the time is yours!

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The impact of Attendance on a student’s learning

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Attendance is key to your progress and attainment. At Kinver High School our school attendance target is 96% and we expect all of our pupils to strive towards this target. Research proves that there is a direct link between attendance and students reaching their full potential academically.

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FACT: Missing school = lost learning time & makes learning much more difficult for students.

 

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How does attendance affect grades?

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FACT: Research shows that the students with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A-Level results. 

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• While an attendance figure of 90% may not sound very low, research shows that it reduces a child's chance of achieving good GCSE/A-Level examination grades from an 81% chance to a 57% chance.

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• A student who averages 80% attendance effectively misses one whole year of education and significantly negatively impacts their chances of good grades.

• If a Year 11 student misses just 17 days of school, it reduces their final GCSE results by one grade across all subjects.

 

 

Punctuality

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 Being punctual is an important life skill. Being repeatedly late to school also adversely impacts on a student’s well-being, learning and progress.

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FACT: Poor punctuality = lost learning time!

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What does being late each day equate to over an academic year?

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Holidays during term time

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 FACT: As a school we do not authorise or approve holiday requests taken in term time.

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Taking holidays in term time will affect your child’s learning as much as any other absence and so we do not authorise holiday requests.

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There is no automatic entitlement in law to allow students to have time off during term time to go on holiday. The Education (Student Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 No 756 Clarification state that leave of absence shall not be granted by schools unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.

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Any saving you think you may benefit from by booking your family holiday(s) during term time are offset by the impact it will have upon your child’s education.

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If however, you believe that your request qualifies as ‘exceptional circumstances’ then you should make a request for such absence directly to the Headteacher.  All applications must be made in writing (using the Leave of Absence Request Form) to Mrs Clifton and must be at least ten school days prior to the requested leave date.

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Where the decision is made not to authorise leave in term time, school will inform parents/ carers in writing.

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How can pupils and parents work with Kinver High School to support attendance?

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Remember, a missed day of learning will put a student at a disadvantage to their peers/to reaching their potential and so we ask that you work with us to ensure your child attends every day to allow them to fully engage with their learning

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• Communicate with us, let us know if there is a genuine reason why your child cannot attend school, we are here to help and support you and your family

• Work with us, we ask that you discuss ways to support your child catch up on the work they might have missed due to absence.

• Encourage and help your child to be punctual so they do not miss any learning time

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Illness and Medical Appointments

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We expect all our students to attend school on time, all of the time. Although we understand that certain circumstances may result in absence at times and so we aim to create excellent home school links.

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Student Absence

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Students should only be absent from the school for valid reasons such as genuine illness, health related appointments or when leave of absence is granted by the Attendance Officer, for instance for a family funeral.

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Parents must notify Mrs Evans by 8.30am if their child is going to be absent that day, this can be done by calling 01384 686900

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 Student illness during the school time

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If your child was to start to feel unwell during the school day, every effort will be made to ensure they remain in school.  In the unlikely event that the decision is made for them to be sent home unwell then a parent/carer or a responsible adult authorised by the parent/carer must collect the child.

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 Student Medical Appointments

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Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours where possible or during registration time, 8.30am – 9.00am in order for them to be authorised by school. If it is not possible to make the appointment out of school hours, then the pupil should be out of school for the least amount of time possible.

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A letter, phone call or email detailing the appointment should be made to our appointments email address (appointments@kinverhigh.co.uk), this should include a photocopy/scanned copy of the appointment letter/card and an approximate return to school time.

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Support with Attendance

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Our Attendance Officer, Mrs Evans is dedicated to ensuring that you and your child are fully supported with all attendance related issues. In addition to Mrs Evans, your child’s Year Manager is also available to support you and your child. Kinver High School prides itself on ensuring the safety and well-being of your child. We have a range of support that we can offer to you and your child if you need it, please do not hesitate in contacting us to discuss any concerns or queries you may have.

Further guidance from the Department of Education on how to help your child to attend school is available here