Attendance, Absence & Late Procedures
St Matthew's Academy Attendance Guidance
At St Matthew's Academy, we believe that good attendance and punctuality give every child the best chance to learn, make friends, and enjoy school life. We work closely with families to make sure all children can come to school regularly and on time.
Why Attendance Matters
Children who attend school every day make better progress in their learning.
Being in school helps children develop confidence and build strong friendships.
Missing lessons can make it harder for children to keep up with their classmates.
We aim for every child to have at least 96% attendance across the year.
Punctuality
Arriving on time each day helps children start the day calmly and confidently.
The school day begins at 08.55
Registers close at 9.00
If a child arrives after the register has closed, this will be recorded as a late mark.
Being just 5 minutes late each day adds up to over 3 days of missed learning per year.
If Your Child Is Absent
If your child is unwell or unable to attend school:
Please contact the school office by 09.15 on the morning of the absence.
Let us know the reason for the absence and when you expect your child to return.
You may need to provide evidence for medical appointments.
If we do not hear from you, we will contact you to check your child’s safety.
Medical & Other Appointments
Where possible, please try to arrange medical or dental appointments outside school hours.
If an appointment must take place during the school day, please notify the office in advance and provide an appointment card or message.
Authorised & Unauthorised Absence
Some absences may be authorised, such as:
Genuine illness
Medical appointments
Exceptional family circumstances (agreed by the Headteacher)
Absences such as holidays during term time cannot be authorised except in exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made in writing to the Headteacher.
How We Support Families
We want to help every family achieve good attendance. We may:
Offer support if you are finding attendance difficult
Meet with you to discuss concerns
Work with the Education Welfare Officer if attendance does not improve
Our goal is to support, not punish—working together makes the biggest difference.
Questions or Support?
If you ever have concerns about attendance or need help getting your child to school, please contact:
Mrs Ash or Mrs Mountford.
Pupil illness and School Attendance.
There is wide agreement among health professionals and educational professionals that school attendance is vital to the life chances of children and young people. Being in school improves health, wellbeing and socialisation throughout the life course. The greatest benefits come from children and young people attending school regularly.
When to keep your child off school: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
In addition to respiratory illnesses, we are aware that more children may be absent from school due to symptoms of anxiety than before the pandemic. Worry and mild or moderate anxiety, whilst sometimes difficult emotions, can be a normal part of growing up for many children and young people. Being in school can often help alleviate the underlying issues. A prolonged period of absence is likely to heighten a child’s anxiety about attending in the future, rather than reduce it.
Please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff if you are unsure of whether to keep your child off school.