If your child is ill you must contact the school as soon as possible, on the first day of absence, giving us the following information:
- Your child's name, year and form group;
- Reason for absence and nature of illness;
- Likely length of absence if known.
You can inform us by one of the following methods:
By contacting the Attendance Office directly on 01952 386554. There is an answer phone facility if your call cannot be answered immediately, please leave a message.
Email: attendance.bbs@taw.org.uk
Please do not be alarmed if we call or email to check on your absent child, for our records.
If you need to inform us of future medical or other appointments you can do so by:
- Using the same contact details
- Send in a letter
| Session | Time from | Time to |
|---|---|---|
| Form Time | 8:50am | 9:15am |
| Period 1 | 9:15am | 10:05am |
| Period 2 | 10:05am | 10:55am |
| Break | 10:55am | 11:15am |
| Period 3 | 11:15am | 12:05pm |
| Period 4 | 12:05pm | 12:55pm |
| Lunch | 12:55pm | 1:25pm |
| Period 5 | 1:25pm | 2:15pm |
| Period 6 | 2:15pm | 3:05pm |
For term dates, please press here.
The link between attendance and attainment is clear: in 2018/19, just 40% of persistently absent (PA) children in KS2 achieved expected KS2 standards, compared with 84% of pupils who regularly attended school; 36% of PA children in KS4 got 9 to 4 in their English and maths GCSEs, compared with 84% of regular attenders. It’s never too late to benefit from good attendance: more than half (54%) of pupils who were PA in Year 10 and then rarely absent in Year 11, passed at least 5 GCSEs, compared to 36% of pupils who were persistently absent in both years.
However, attendance is important for more than just attainment: regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
The NHS and the Chief Medical Officer say it is usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses, including general cold symptoms like a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat. Please click the link below for further guidance:
Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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. The DfE has published useful guidance on mental health issues affecting a pupil’s attendance and those who are experiencing persistent symptoms can be encouraged to access additional support.