At the Elizabethan Academy the attendance of our students is a key priority; we know this directly impacts their outcomes and we want to prepare them for their futures as fully as possible.

Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends the Academy regularly and arrives on time each day. We expect students’ attendance to be 97% or above and are always grateful for parental support, as only by working in partnership can we achieve this aim.

We do appreciate that there may occasionally be good reasons for absence, such as student illness or a medical appointment that cannot be made out of school hours.

For guidance on whether you not you should keep your child off school if they are unwell, please refer to the current NHS guidance: Is my child too ill for school? - NHS

 

Attendance and Punctuality Expectations

●The Academy day begins at 8.40am. Students are expected to be in the Academy by 8.30am and to be in tutor time by 8.40am.

●The AM register opens at 8.40 am and lasts for 30 minutes.

●If a student arrives after 9.10 am, when the AM register has closed, they will receive an unauthorised absence for the AM session. This is in line with updated government guidance.

●The PM register opens at 1.15pm and lasts for 30 minutes. If a student arrives after 1.45pm they will receive an unauthorised absence for the PM session.

Absence

Reporting unplanned absence (such as sickness)

Any absence should be reported by 8am each day that the student will be absent. This should be reported by calling 01777 713700 (option 2) or emailing attendance@elizabethan.notts.sch.uk. Please ensure to state the full name, year group and form of the student and give details regarding the reason for absence.

Planned absences (such as medical appointments)

Where medical appointments cannot be scheduled outside school hours, the attendance team should be made aware in advance by emailing attendance@elizabethan.notts.sch.uk. Students should attend school prior to their appointment, and return promptly afterwards as only the time for the appointment and travel will be able to be authorised.

Holidays during term time

New Pupil Registration (England) Regulations were introduced in 2024. Headteachers cannot agree a leave of absence in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Guidance instructs headteachers that Holidays should not be classed as exceptional circumstances. Therefore, if you take your child out of school without authorisation from the Headteacher for a leave of absence (including holidays) in term time you can be liable for a fine even if your child’s attendance is not otherwise causing concern for the school.

Further support and guidance

It is understood that at times, such as with illness, absence is unavoidable. However, if it becomes apparent your child is struggling to attend school please contact their Tutor, Head of House and our attendance team who will be able to offer further support. This could be in the form of a meeting or phone call to work through the students' barriers to attendance, additional support or through referrals to external support services.

By working together to support students to achieve the best attendance possible we are providing them with the greatest opportunity to achieve, progress and succeed. We want the best for every student and every school day counts.

Further information and support can be found on the following links:

Education Hub - Improving School Attendance
Parent Guide to 'Working Together to Improve School Attendance'
Nottinghamshire Schools Attendance Guidance