Attendance
Attendance Matters: Every Day in School Counts
At Esteem South Academy, we firmly believe that regular attendance is the single most important factor in a student's success. Every day a student is in school, they are learning, growing, and building the skills they need for a successful future.
For our students, many of whom have faced barriers to learning, consistent attendance is even more vital. It allows us to provide the stable, supportive routine they need to re-engage with education. When a student is absent, they not only miss out on academic learning but also on the social and emotional support that is at the heart of our provision.
The Impact of Absence
Missing school, even for a day or two, can quickly add up. A student who misses just two days of school per month will have missed over a full school year by the time they leave us. This has a significant impact on:
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Academic Achievement: There is a proven link between high attendance and better GCSE results. A student with 90% attendance is considered a "persistent absentee" and will find it much harder to keep up and achieve their full potential.
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Social Development: School is where students build friendships, learn to work in a team, and develop a sense of belonging. Frequent absences can lead to feelings of isolation and make it difficult to form these crucial relationships.
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Future Opportunities: Good attendance habits are essential for the world of work. By prioritising school, our students are learning the importance of punctuality, responsibility, and a strong work ethic—skills that employers value highly.
Our Partnership with You
We want to work with you to ensure your child has the best possible chance of success. We will contact you if we have concerns about your child’s attendance, as we have a duty to monitor this closely.
We understand that children can be unwell, and if your child is genuinely too ill to attend, please contact us on the morning of their absence. However, for minor ailments like a slight cold, we encourage you to send your child to school.
We know that life can be challenging, and we are here to help. If there are other reasons your child is finding it difficult to attend, please reach out to us. Together, we can find a solution and ensure they get the support they need to be in school, on time, every day.
Our Attendance and Pupil Engagement Officer is Chris Mulvenney - if you need to contact him about any concerns around attendance please contact him via email on cmulvenney@esteemsouthacdemy.co.uk or 01283 550667 or 07434907184
