Attendance

"Regular attendance is essential if students are to achieve their full potential. " 

Contacting Southway to Report an Absence

Procedure

If your child is ill i.e., to the extent that they cannot get out of bed, then please notify Southway’s attendance team before 9am.  Please advise them the reason for absence and the expected date of return.

 

Where we have had no contact from a parent/carer the school will respond in the following manner:

• First day a text will be implemented for all students who have not arrived by 9.30am, if still no contact a telephone call will be made.
• Further attempts at communication may also be made. On occasions throughout the week members of the attendance team and other school staff may visit any child who is absent from the school.  If your child is well enough to attend lessons, then the member of staff may accompany them back to the school. If your child has been absent for 4 days a home visit will be conducted by a member of staff.

Telephone & Email contact to report an absence:

Telephone	Email
01924976121	southwayattendance@southway.org.uk

 

Attendance is a Priority

Regular attendance at school is crucial for students at Southway to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Consistent attendance helps students build a routine, gain essential skills, and stay engaged in their learning. It also supports the development of positive relationships with peers and staff, which are important for personal growth and confidence. At Southway where students may face additional challenges, consistent attendance can provide structure and stability in their lives, giving them the best chance of success.

 

Reporting an Absence

Clear communication between home and school is key when a student cannot attend. Reporting an absence ensures that the school is aware of the situation and can provide appropriate support. Whether it’s for illness, family matters, or other reasons, informing the school allows them to plan for the student's absence and helps avoid unnecessary concerns. It also enables the school to monitor patterns of absence, so interventions can be made early if needed.

 

Punctuality

Punctuality is just as important as attendance. Arriving on time helps students settle into their lessons without disruption, allowing them to fully engage with the content being taught. For students at Southway, punctuality also demonstrates respect for their education and the school community. It promotes responsibility, discipline, and helps develop time-management skills, which are essential for both academic success and later life.

 

Medical Appointments

While medical appointments are sometimes unavoidable, students should aim to minimise disruptions to their learning. Whenever possible, medical appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours to avoid missing critical lessons. If a student does need to leave for a medical appointment, parents should notify the school in advance. This ensures that the student’s absence is properly recorded and allows the school to arrange for any missed work or support that might be needed during their absence.

 

Home Visits

Home visits may be used as a supportive measure for students with frequent or prolonged absences. These visits provide an opportunity for school staff to engage with students and their families in a familiar environment, understand any challenges the student may be facing, and offer support or solutions. This proactive approach can help improve attendance and prevent students from falling further behind in their education. Home visits also demonstrate that the school is invested in the well-being of the student, not just their academic performance.

 

Attendance Support

Students facing attendance challenges may require additional support to help them attend school regularly. This could include modifying the student's timetable to make attending school more manageable.  By addressing the root causes of poor attendance, Southway can provide tailored support to help students overcome barriers. Attendance support ensures that students are not left behind, and it encourages them to feel confident in attending school and making progress in their education.