Attendance and Punctuality
At Oasis Academy Fir Vale we take attendance and punctuality very seriously. We expect all pupils to attend school regularly and to arrive at school on time and ready to learn.
Our robust systems for monitoring and improving attendance give pupils the best possible chance of success both academically and socially. We will support families to ensure that this happens and our Attendance and Pastoral team are available each day to discuss issues which may be impacting upon your ability to ensure regular attendance.
Attendance and your legal responsibility as parents
You have a legal responsibility to make sure that your child attends school regularly. If your child is not attending school regularly the Attendance Officer will contact you to arrange a meeting to discuss any concerns that you may have. We have a duty to report unauthorised absences to the local authority and the parents of pupils who have a record of persistent and/or unauthorised absence may be fined or have legal action taken against them.
Punctuality and your legal responsibility as parents
Being on time for school establishes good habits for the future. Being late for school has a significant impact on learning time and will ultimately affect the attainment of both your child and that of his/her peers; due to the disruption it causes.
Positive reinforcement
In order to promote high levels of attendance and to recognise individual improvement, we use a range of rewards.
Authorised and unauthorised absence
If a student is absent from Oasis Academy Fir Vale it is vital that their parent lets school know as soon as possible to give a reason either over the telephone or in person at the gate or office. All absences from school can result in a telephone call and/or a home visit.
Appointments during term time
Please contact us on the first day of absence if your child is ill and will not be attending. In order to maximise individual achievement, parents should avoid making routine appointments for children during the academy day or taking family holidays during term time.
- If a child has an appointment, parents need to tell the class team or the office in advance and bring in proof.
- If the appointment is in the morning the child should come to school and get their mark first and return to school after the appointment. If they don’t return for the afternoon session, the absence should be recorded as unauthorised.
Term time holidays
We do not authorise holidays during term time; however in exceptional circumstances the Principal may authorise term time leave. The Principal will make a decision based upon the individual circumstances of each case and will take into account current attendance and attainment levels. The Principal's decision is final and families who take term time holidays without the permission of the Principal will be referred to the local authority’s multi agency support teams, who will initiate proceedings for a fixed term penalty fine.
What can you do to help?
- Do not take holidays during term time.
- Make sure that your son/daughter comes in to school every day unless he or she is genuinely ill. Remember we will administer medicines if prescribed by a doctor and you give your consent.
- Explain to your child how important attendance is.
- Establish good bedtime and morning routines.
- Always let the school know each day that your child is absent from school.
- Please book dental or medical appointments out of school hours.
- Contact the Attendance Officer for advice and support on improving attendance.
Persistent Absence
All parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends Oasis Academy Fir Vale on a regular and punctual basis. It is a criminal offence under Section 444 of the 1996 Education Act to fail to secure regular attendance of a registered pupil at Oasis Academy Fir Vale.
Regular attendance at school is essential to ensure uninterrupted progress and to enable children to fulfil their potential. The Department for Education has published data on their website that clearly shows the link between attendance and attainment. It also highlights the impact on a child education if attendance is not consistently above 95% throughout their schooling.
If you wish to find out more information regarding attendance, please follow the link below for Sheffield City Council
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/schools-childcare/attendance-guidance-parents