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- Glyn School Attendance and Punctuality Policy: A Guide for Parents and Carers
Glyn School Attendance and Punctuality Policy: A Guide for Parents and Carers
At Glyn School, we know that good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping students achieve their best, feel connected to school and develop positive habits for the future. We are committed to working closely with families to support excellent attendance and address any barriers as early as possible.
This information is a summary of our Glyn School Attendance and Punctulaity Policy which should be read alongisde the GLF Schools Attendance and Punctuality Policy.
Both of these documents are linked at the bottom of this page.
Who Can Help?
If you have any concerns about your child's attendance or punctuality, please get in touch as early as possible so we can work together to provide support.
- Senior Attendance Champion: Ms K Jones
- Attendance Team: attendance@glynschool.org
- Home School Link Workers: Miss J Stanton and Ms C Wilson-David
- SENCO: Mrs S Stanton
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs H Thompkins
Reporting an Absence
If your child is unable to attend school:
✅ Contact the school on the first day of absence and each day thereafter.
You can report an absence by:
- Email: attendance@glynschool.org (Years 7-11)
- Email: 6thformabsence@glynschool.org (Sixth Form)
- Using the My Child at School (MCAS) app
If we do not receive a reason for absence, we will contact parents/carers to ensure the student's safety and wellbeing.
Punctuality
Being on time helps students start the day positively and ensures they do not miss valuable learning.
- School starts at 8:40am
- Students arriving after 8:40am will be marked late.
- Students arriving after 9:10am will normally be recorded as having an unauthorised absence for that session unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- School finishes at 3:00pm.
Attendance Matters
Even a small drop in attendance can have a significant impact on learning.
| Attendance | Days Missed | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 97-100% | 0-5 days | Excellent attendance |
| 95-96.9% | 6-9.5 days | Some risk to progress |
| 93-94.9% | 10-12.5 days | Increasing risk to progress |
| 90-92.9% | 13-15 days | Significant risk to progress |
| Below 90% | 15+ days | Persistent absence requiring additional support |
How We Support Families
Our approach is supportive and focused on understanding any challenges that may affect attendance.
Support may include:
- Regular communication with families
- Pastoral and wellbeing support
- Attendance meetings and action plans
- SEND or safeguarding support where appropriate
- Reintegration support following periods of absence
- Referrals to external agencies when additional help is needed
We want to identify any difficulties early and work together to help students attend school regularly.
Leave of Absence During Term Time
The Government does not allow schools to authorise holidays or leisure trips during term time.
Requests for leave due to exceptional circumstances may be considered by the Headteacher on an individual basis. A request form must be submitted before any planned absence.
Unauthorised Absence and Penalty Notices
The school follows Surrey County Council guidance regarding legal intervention and Penalty Notices.
A referral to the Local Authority may be considered where there are:
- 10 or more sessions (5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-week period.
- Unauthorised term-time leave of 5 or more school days.
- Repeated lateness after the register has closed.
Current Penalty Notice charges are:
- First Penalty Notice: £160 per parent, per child (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days)
- Second Penalty Notice within three years: £160 per parent, per child
- Further offences may lead to prosecution through the Magistrates' Court.
Working Together
We understand that every family's circumstances are different. If attendance becomes difficult for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible. The earlier we can work together, the sooner we can provide support and help your child maintain positive attendance, strong wellbeing and the best opportunities to succeed.
