Absence 

School Attendance and Absence 

“We seek to ensure that all learners receive a full-time education, maximising the opportunities for all to realise their true potential. All school staff will work with learners and their families to support them in meeting their legal duty to ensure that their children achieve the maximum possible attendance, and that any problems which may impede full attendance are acted upon quickly”.

Did you know?

90% attendance means that a learner is missing half a day’s school a week? 

95% attendance means that a learner will miss two weeks of school in a year? 

93% attendance or better gives a learner a 73% chance of achieving 5 GCSEs, Grades A-C, whatever their ability? 

The Local Authority will become involved where a learner’s attendance falls to 90%. 

There are 190 school days in a year, leaving 175 in which to take holidays? 

Frequently Asked Questions… 

Q: My child is unwell, what should I do?
A: Please call school reception no later than 8.30am, 01939 232372 with a brief explanation of the nature of the illness. A call is requested for every day of absence. 

Q: Why do I need to call every day?
A: We cannot assume that a learner is unwell just because they were off school the previous day. If you believe an absence due to illness may be prolonged, please contact us so that we can make arrangements to avoid calling daily. Alternatively, you can keep us updated via email: admin@wdl.mmat.co.uk 

Q: I know in advance that my child needs to leave school early for an appointment, what should I do?
A: Email admin@wdl.mmat.co.uk with a brief explanation of the nature of the absence and a photo of the appointment letter attached.

Q: I have just remembered that I need to collect my child during the school day, or I have forgotten to inform school, what should I do?

A: In the first instance, please call us, 01939 232372 and speak to reception and give a brief explanation of the reason for collecting. We will do our best to support. However, it is not always possible to locate learners straight away, for example during lunch or break times. 

Q: I wish to take my child out of school for a Family Holiday (or other reason) during Term Time. 

Leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and can only be authorised by the Headteacher. Exceptional circumstances are defined as ‘one-off’ occasions where a request for leave of absence is unavoidable and does not cover an annually occurring family holiday. Please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the Attendance Officer: admin@wdl.mmat.co.uk, and submit no later than two weeks prior to the start of the leave. For the Headteacher to reach an informed decision, please include as much detail as possible to explain why exceptional circumstances apply.