FAO – Y9 and Y10 attendance.
We are writing to all families with children in Year 9 and Year 10 to emphasise the importance of being in school on time. These 2 year groups persistently have a far higher than average number of students late to school.
School starts at 8.40am every day. We expect students through the door by this, and in their form group by 8.45 am. Students who arrive late are greatly disadvantaged because they miss starting the day with their peers and the form period which settles the students and prepares them for the day ahead.
It is also very important that young people establish good routines and habits in preparation for the rest of their lives. Punctuality is a life skill that they need to develop whilst they are young.
We understand that there may be rare occasions when your child is unavoidably late due to unforeseen circumstances. On these occasions please make sure that you contact the school office to inform us when your child will arrive.
However, in the vast majority of cases, students arrive late because they have either fallen into bad habits or do not plan their mornings effectively. Therefore, in order to help focus the students minds, students that arrive late to school will receive a D3 sanction (75 minutes after school).
Families should also be aware that a penalty charge notice can be given for any student that has 20 or more late marks across a school term, under the 1996 Education Act.
I will appreciate your support in this matter – if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Yours sincerely
Dave McLoughlin
Deputy Head