At Beckfoot School, we understand that barriers to accessing education are wide and complex, both within and beyond the school gates, and are often specific to individual students and families. We therefore want to ensure that we support our student and their families to attend school regularly by making Beckfoot a place where students want to be. We are committed to creating an environment that is calm, safe and supportive, where all students can enjoy belonging, be ready to learn, and be determined to succeed.
Our Expectations
- Students will attend school every day
- Students will be on time to school and their lessons
- Students will always be prepared for school by having enough sleep, wearing the correct uniform, and having the right equipment
Students meeting these expectations will achieve well, be protected from risk of harm, and secure and maintain positive friendships with their peers at school.
Attendance and Punctuality Policy
Key contacts
Attendance is everyone’s business, and all members of our staff understand they they have a role to play in supporting good attendance. To learn more about our key contacts roles and responsibilities, please view our local attendance protocol.
- Mike Barnes – SENCO
- Aieshah Ickringill – Assistant Headteacher
- Frances Wade – Deputy Headteacher
- Alex Denham – Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Lynnette Beck – SEND Administrator
- Simon Wade – Headteacher
What do I do if my child is not well enough to come to school?
If you feel your child is not well enough to come to school you must do one of the following:
- Leave a message for us via ClassCharts
- Phone and leave a message on 01274 771444 option 1
- Email us on [email protected]
One of the above actions must be completed before 8.30am for each day your child will not be attending school, stating their name, year group and reason for absence.
We keep parents up to date with their child’s attendance and confirm absences with them; this makes sure students are supported in their progress at school.
Our Attendance Team work really hard to support students and often identify patterns of non-attendance. They will always work with parents and carers to understand these patterns and see how they can be improved.
Medical and dental appointments
Medical and dental appointments should be made before or after school wherever possible, however, if an appointment is required during school hours, school should be made aware in advance and their must be provision of some evidence to authorise the absence.
Holidays in term time
Holidays in term times will not be authorised by Beckfoot and could lead to penalty notices and fines being issued. These will be issued to the parent/carer liable for the attendance offence.
Punctuality
The school gates will close each day at 8.30am, any student arriving after this time will need to sign in at Reception. Late students will receive a late mark as well as a 30-minute detention on the same day. The first register is taken at 8.30am. Any students who arrive more than 30 minutes late will be marked as an unauthorised absence unless a suitable reason is provided.
We understand that sometimes students may be late due to unforeseen circumstances. They will always receive a friendly welcome when they get to school late. Please alert as soon as possible if you think your child is going to be late.
Recognising good attendance
- Students are informed weekly of their attendance levels
- Excellent and improved attendance will be promoted and rewarded
We believe that all students are more likely to attend school regularly if the curriculum is engaging and personalised to meet their needs, and if they have targets and rewards to work towards.
How will we support you?
- We will build close and productive relationships with families to ensure that any attendance issues can be tackled and any barriers to attendance are removed.
- Creating intervention or reintegration plans in partnership with our students and their parents/carers.
- Encourage good attendance by making our classrooms and school a place where all students can and want to be.