Attendance at Greenfields Academy
Greenfields Academy believe that to facilitate teaching and learning, good attendance is essential. Pupils cannot achieve their full potential if they do not regularly attend school. We understand that barriers to attendance are complex, and that some pupils find it harder than others to attend school; therefore, we will continue to prioritise cultivating a safe and supportive environment at school, as well as strong and trusting relationships with pupils and parents.
We take a whole-school approach to securing good attendance and recognise the impact that our efforts in other areas – such as the curriculum, behaviour standards, bullying, SEND support, pastoral support, and the effective use of resources such as pupil premium – can have on improving pupil attendance.
In line with our attendance policy we work with parents/carers at the earliest point of concern, to help address any underlying reasons for irregular, low or persistent absence. Click here to view our attendance policy.
We have a dedicated attendance team who oversee all aspects of tracking, monitoring and supporting pupil attendance. Should you wish to contact the attendance team, please do so by email:
beth.archer@greenfields-cit.co.uk (Attendance Champion (lead))
rebecca.hewerdine@greenfields-cit.co.uk (Attendance Officer)
claire.brock@greenfields-cit.co.uk (Attendance Officer)
paul.wheeler@greenfields-cit.co.uk (Truancy Inclusion Mentor Service)
Working with Parents, Carers and Professionals
We appreciate that sometimes it can be difficult for parents/carers to determine whether your child is well enough to attend school. To view the NHS guidance around this, click here.
If your child must be absent from school, for example if they are too unwell to attend school, please ensure that you inform school by 9:15am with a clear explanation with the reason for absence so that we can accurately code the register.
If your child is absence for 3 or more consecutive days, please provide the attendance team with a signed letter detailing the reasons for absence.
We do not authorise holidays during term time. If parents require their child to be absent for exceptional circumstances, they must email Beth Archer at beth.archer@greenfields-cit.co.uk
Tracking and Monitoring Attendance
We recognise that pupils may have specific reasons why they can’t attend school, such as medical appointments that can’t be taken outside of the school day. However, we set our expectations high and analyse any improvements or decline in attendance for individuals and groups of pupils.
Below is a summary of our attendance ladder:
96% 100% As expected: Well, done!
91 – 94% Risk of persistent absence and underachievement: Are you okay?
80 – 90% Persistent absence: How can we help?
Under 80% At risk of and severe absence: Serious cause for concern and underachievement.
School Attendance Data Compared to National Special School Average:
Remote Learning
In the event of any full or partial school closure, Greenfields Academy is committed to providing
continuity of education to our pupils through a process of remote learning. If you require a remote learning package for your child due to exceptional circumstances, please contact Beth Archer, Deputy Headteacher to discuss this further.
