Academy Times
Academy Day Begins at 8:40am
Academy Day Ends at 3:20pm
The Government and Bishop Alexander L.E.A.D Academy are committed to reducing high levels of absence. We expect every pupil to maintain an attendance level of 100% unless there are authorised reasons that occur.
The Academy prioritises student welfare. Concerns regarding attendance are promptly investigated, and unexplained or prolonged absences trigger safeguarding procedures, including home visits and communication with agencies.
If your child is persistently absent, you could be referred to the Local Authority’s Education Welfare Team and you may be at risk of a penalty notice or prosecution.
Definitions
Our MTSS framework provides a comprehensive attendance intervention system that includes staff, children, parents and external agencies, fully aligned with DfE guidelines.
Attendance is a fundamental pillar of education that influences academic success, personal growth and future opportunities.
It will also give your child the opportunity to:
Absence is not allowed for:
If your child has an appointment, they must still attend school before or after the appointment, they should not miss a whole school day. The Academy will only authorise the time for the appointment and travel time.
We will help and support you in any way we can, to help your child attend school regularly and on time.
Government guidelines state that Academies cannot grant any level of absence unless in exceptional circumstances. Holidays, trips abroad or to visit family do not qualify as exceptional circumstances. This is irrespective of the child’s overall attendance. Only the Headteacher or the Attendance Lead may authorise such a request and all applications for a leave of absence must be made on a form provided by the Academy.
Where a parent takes a leave of absence to which the application was refused or takes a leave of absence where no application was made, the Academy will request a penalty notice to be issued by the Local Authority. The penalty notice will be issued to each parent of the individual child.
The first time a referral is made for a penalty notice for term time leave or irregular attendance, the amount would be £160.00 per parent per child if paid within 28 days, reduced to £80.00 per parent per child, if paid within 21 days.
The second time a referral is made for a penalty notice, the amount would be £160.00 per parent per child, with no provision for reduction.
The third time a referral is made for a penalty notice for term time leave or irregular attendance, a penalty notice will not be issued and the case will be presented straight to Magistrates’ Court.
Any legal proceedings would relate to section 444 or 444 (1A) of the Education Act 1996. Magistrates’ fines can be up to £2,500.00 per parent per child, and cases found guilty in Magistrates’ Court can show on the parent’s future DBS certificate due to a “failure to safeguard a child’s education”.
Being frequently late for school adds up to lost learning:
