At Richmond Hill Academy, we are passionate about every child attending regularly. Daily attendance has a powerful impact not only on academic progress but also on children’s social development, friendships, confidence and sense of belonging. When children are in school consistently, they thrive and we are committed to working with families to support this.
We aim for all children to achieve at least 97% attendance as this level of consistent presence in school is proven to give pupils the best chance to succeed academically and fully engage in the opportunities that support their overall wellbeing and development.
What to do if your child is unable to attend school:
- Please contact the school as early as possible on the first day your child is absent before 8.50am. The attendance team can be contacted by ringing 0113 487 1600 and selecting option 1, or via text or WhatsApp on 07745 747066.
- When you contact us, include:
- Your child’s name and class
- The reason for the absence
- An expected return date, if known
- Please do not use other mechanisms to contact us, such as through Class Dojo as teachers are unlikely to be able to see these messages as they are teaching.
- If the absence lasts longer than expected, please update the school daily unless otherwise agreed.
- For illnesses that continue beyond a few days, the school may request additional information. Please note that as part of our safeguarding duties, pupils must be seen by a member of school staff for every 3 consecutive days of absence via a welfare call and/or home visit. It is important that you continue to work with us to enable this to happen.
- If your child is absent regularly or for an extended period due to illness, we may ask for medical confirmation (e.g., a doctor’s note, appointment card or prescription). This helps us ensure the right support is in place for your child and maintain accurate attendance records.
Requesting Authorised Absence:
Medical or Specialist Appointments:
- Please try to book appointments outside of school hours.
- If this is not possible, provide appointment evidence in advance so that we can code the absence correctly.
- If your child has a long-term medical condition that will impact on their ability to attend school daily, you must ensure you let us know so that we can put in place necessary support.
Leave During Term Time:
- Absence for holidays or travel during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Principal.
- Requests must be made in writing to the Principal before any arrangements are confirmed.
Punctuality to the Academy:
| Mainstream- Richmond Hill Academy Reception-Year 6 Registration takes place at 8.50am each morning. Gates open at 8.30am. We strongly encourage pupils to be in their classrooms by 8.40am. |
Nursery- Richmond Hill Academy
AM: Registration takes place at 9.00am each morning. The gate opens at 8.50am. PM: Registration takes place at 12.40pm. The gate opens at 12.30pm. |
Rainbow Base- Richmond Hill Academy
Registration takes place at 9.00am each morning. The gate will open at 8.45am. |
Being late for school will impact your child’s learning. If pupils are 30 minutes late each day it means they are missing a half day of school every week. If your child is late by 10 minutes a day, they will miss the equivalent of one week’s learning in a year.
If your child arrives half an hour after the published registration time, they are recorded as absent for the full morning session using the code U which will negatively impact their overall attendance.
Working Together to Support Excellent Attendance:
Good attendance is a shared responsibility. We will:
- Monitor attendance closely- where attendance drops below 90%, we will work with you to address any potential barriers to improve school attendance. This may be through the Fast Track or Case Work initiative.
- Contact you if we have concerns.
- Offer support where needed and direct you to the right support.
- Celebrate good and improved attendance.
By working in partnership with families, we can ensure every child has the best possible chance to learn, grow and succeed.
Attendance Rewards:
Strong rates of attendance are encouraged, recognised and rewarded at Richmond Hill Academy. We ensure that pupils are routinely rewarded for positive attendance to celebrate their achievements.
| Daily | Weekly | Half Termly | Termly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance Points:
Your child will earn 1 Attendance Club Point for every day of 100% attendance. They will receive a sticker in their planner/on their attendance club point sheet to recognise this achievement. There are opportunities to earn additional points on specific days announced through the year. |
Positive Discipline Assembly:
Each week during our Positive Discipline assembly, the class with the highest attendance for the week in each Key Stage are supplied with a golden ticket which is entered into the half termly draw. Attendance praise phone calls for strong rates of attendance and improved attendance. |
Attendance Points:
If your child has 100% attendance and arrives at school, on time, every day for a whole half term they will receive an extra 5 Attendance Points. Class prize draw for ‘the Golden ticket’ which results in a whole class prize. Attendance post cards are sent to celebrate strong rates of attendance and improved attendance. Praise phone calls are made with an emphasis on attendance success. |
Attendance Points:
If your child has 100% attendance and arrives at school, on time, every day for a whole term they will receive an extra 10 Attendance Points. ‘Mega’ Pop up Attendance events to celebrate attendance- pupils can trade their points for items from the prize cabinet as well as attend attendance reward events. Senior Leadership praise phone calls are made with an emphasis on attendance success. |
100% Attendance:
If your child has maintained 100% attendance for the whole year we will send your child a 100% attendance postcard. Pupils with 100% attendance for the full year will be celebrated in our end of year reward assemblies. |
Meet the Attendance Team:
Mrs Holly Ethell
Vice Principal
Miss Ghislaine Coulson
Senior Child Protection, Safeguarding and Attendance Lead
Ms Gillian Keeling
Attendance Administration Assistant
Please do not hesitate to contact the team should you need any further advice or guidance about our attendance processes. We are happy to help all parent/carers to support with improving your child’s attendance.
