Attendance and Illness

Reporting an absence

To report your child’s absence please contact us by 8:30 am either by telephone 01760 726169 or email
tnh-attendance@attrust.org.uk.
Please leave a message giving your child’s name, tutor group and the reason s/he is not in.

Please update us every day that your child is off school.

Academic Year 2024/2025 – Calendar and Term Dates

At The Nicholas Hamond Academy we focus on providing the best learning environment which allows all our students achieve. It is of fundamental importance for students to meet the school attendance target of 100%. Here at TNHA we pride ourselves on having high expectations on us as professionals and of our students as learners.  Consequently, it is vital that students arrive at school on time. Coming to school every day is essential and builds resilience so they can achieve the academic success they deserve.

If your child is aged between 5 and 16 you must make sure they attend school regularly and stay in school. This is Law, you can be taken to court for breaking this Law (section 444 of the Education Act 1996).

Parents/carers should ensure their children arrive at school on time 8.40 am dressed in the correct school uniform and with the equipment they need for the day, such as PE kit, pens etc.

Role of the Parent/Carer

What can I do as a parent/carer to support excellent attendance? 

• Ensure they have a regular bedtime.
• Limit digital technology use e.g., social media, gaming – try and finish an hour before bed.
• Ensure your child has their own alarm clock.
• Get their bag/equipment/PE kit is ready the night before.
• Inform the school promptly, and daily, if your child is absent.
• Where possible schedule all appointments, including dental and medical, outside of school hours.

UKHSA – Should I Keep My Child Off School

We appreciate the support of our parents in promoting good attendance and working with TNHA to provide a cohesive approach.

Role of the Student

What is the role of the student? 

• All students to arrive in school for the day to start at 8.45am (breakfast club is open all year round to all students from 8 – 8.30am)
• Students are expected to arrive on time for each period of the day
• Students arriving late will be marked late on the register and will receive a 30-minute same day detention after school.
• Late to school is defined as any student arriving after the gates have closed at 8.45am

Role of the Academy

What will we do to support your child in attending school? 

If we have concerns around your child’s attendance, we may:

• Contact parents/carers on the first day of absence to find out why their child is absent.
• Investigate to see if there is any support that we as an academy can offer If a pupil is frequently ill on the same day each week or is absent for 3 or more days. This may include a welfare call either by phone or a home visit or inviting you in for a meeting.

Attendance Policy

Why is good attendance important?

Good attendance and punctuality are vital for success at school, and to establish positive life habits that are necessary for future success.

Through regular attendance, pupils can:

• Build friendships and develop social groups
• Develop life skills
• Engage in essential learning and other school social events
• Achieve to their full potential
• Minimise the risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour and becoming victims or perpetrators of crime

What is excellent attendance?

How attendance impacts your child’s learning time

How punctuality impacts your child’s learning time

How attendance impacts your child’s GCSE success

Term Time Holidays, Appointments, and Fixed Penalty Notices

FPN Information from 19th August 2024

It is crucial for all parents and carers to understand that holidays during term time must be applied for via a Leave of Absence Form.
It is important to note that these will not be authorised under any circumstance.

Any examples of families taking their children out of school to go on holiday will be issued  with an FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) charge.

Please read the FPN information from 19th August 2024 above for updated guidance from the 2024-25 academic year onwards.

Attendance Rewards

At TNHA we are always keen to recognise students that show excellence in their attendance, but also where students have demonstrated improved attendance at school.
Some examples of rewards your child can earn by having excellent attendance are:

• Weekly recognition points from their Tutor for 100% attendance
• Prizes, badges, reward events for those who maintain ‘excellent’ attendance
• Recognition certificates in half-termly year group rewards assemblies
• Letters home celebrating excellent attendance
• Year-group-specific competitions that lead to rewards with attendance as a determining factor
• Golden Tickets for 100% weekly attendance draw – Greggs and Costa Coffee vouchers as prizes
• End of year rewards trips for students demonstrating excellence in attendance combined with outstanding attitudes to learning

All of these rewards are achievable for all students and highlight our desire to reward students that value their attendance highly.

If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to  contact the attendance team using the email address below:

Attendance Team: tnh-attendance@attrust.org.uk

Attendance Office: Mr Peter Sneesby

Attendance Lead: Mrs Ellie Atkins