Attendance
To report a student absence please call 01278 727313
Registration Time
Sedgemoor 9.00 and 12.05
If a child is not registered before 9.30am it must be marked as an unauthorised absence for the morning session
Quantock 9.00 and 12.05
If a child is not registered before 9.30am it must be marked as an unauthorised absence for the morning session
Polden 8.35 and 12.05
If a child is not registered before 9.05am it must be marked as an unauthorised absence for the morning session
Present Marks:
/ Present
B College/ Offsite provision
V Educational Visit
W Work Experience
K Attending provision arranged by LA
Absent Marks:
O Unauthorised
M Medical
G Unauthorised holiday
N No reason provided yet
Late Marks:
L Before Registration Closes (09.05 for Polden/09.30 for Quantock and Sedgemoor)
U After Registration Closes (Over 30mins, so after 09.05 for Polden/09.30 for Quantock and Sedgemoor)) this classes as an unauthorised absence.
The decision to authorise an absence rests with the Headteacher. The reasons must be clear and acceptable. The categories for authorised absence are found in our attendance policy.
The Academy follows the new Government regulations, effective as August 2024. The guidance can be found here:
Working together to improve school attendance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
All student absences should be reports via studybugs (www.studybugs.com) or by telephoning the attendance line (01278 727313) and reporting reason for absence.
If absence is needed to be taken due to medical appointments, medical evidence needs to be provided for the maximum of half a day to be granted for the appointment. When the Academy suspects that absences due to medical reasons are not genuine, they will be unauthorised unless medical evidence can be provided. When a student’s absence becomes a serious cause for concern the Academy may refer the student to the Education Safeguarding Service.
Absence as a result of holidays taken during term time will not be authorised. Parents need to complete the absence request form if taking their child out of education for a holiday.
Unauthorised Absences and Penalty Notices
A fixed penalty notice can be issued if a pupil accrues 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a window of 10 school weeks (A school day contains two sessions, morning and afternoon). This can be any combination of unauthorised absences. The 10-week period can span different terms or even different school years.
Penalty Notice Limits and Legal Intervention
A maximum of two penalty notices can be issued within a three-year period. If a third penalty notice is necessary within the same three-year period, legal intervention will take place. Penalty Notice Charges First penalty notices are charged at £160 per parent, per child. This amount is reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days. Second penalty notices are charged at a flat rate of £180 per parent, per child.
Please note that a third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent for the same child within three years of the date of issue of the first. Prosecution / other interventions will be considered. Should a Penalty Notice remain unpaid, and it is not withdrawn, then a prosecution for the substantive offence of failing to secure the regular attendance of a child of compulsory school age at school will be considered.
If the students attendance doesn’t improve or there are unauthorised absences legal action may be taken following LA guidelines.
Information about Penalty Notices for Parents
Encouraging Excellent Attendance
Certificates and achievements points are awarded half termly for those with 100% attendance in that half term.
Regular prizes are awarded for tutor groups/classes with most improved attendance.
100% raffles and Bingos will take place with prized donated from businesses within the local community.
Attendance contributes to end of year reward certificates.
Please click here to view the latest Attendance Policy
Changes to student attendance in September 2024 - Primary Letter
Changes to student attendance in September 2024 - Secondary Letter
To report a student absence please call 01278 727313
Student voice link: