Attendance & Punctuality
Reporting Absence
If your child is absent:
- Call the school attendance line before 8:40am on 01246 472220 or email attendance@netherthorpe-mlt.co.uk with medical evidence.
- Clearly state your child’s name, year group, and reason for absence.
- You must call/email each day your child is absent.
Lateness
The school gates close at 8:40am to allow students time to be lined up and ready for lessons by 8:45am. Any student arriving after 8:40am will be marked late
Safeguarding & Absence Follow-Up
- Unreported absences will trigger a text alert to parents as a safeguarding measure.
- If absence remains unconfirmed, the school may conduct a home visit.
- Please ensure your contact details are up to date, especially your mobile number.
Medical Appointments
Where possible, please schedule medical appointments outside school hours.
If unavoidable:
- Try to book appointments at the start or end of the school day.
- Students should attend school before or after the appointment where possible.
- Proof (text, letter, or appointment card) must be provided to authorise the absence.
- Email the Attendance Team in advance to enable your child to sign out.
Holidays & Term-Time Leave
Holidays during term time will not be authorised.
If you need to request exceptional leave:
- Complete a Term Time Leave Request Form (available by contacting school)
- Submit the form at least 20 school days in advance.
- You will receive a written decision within 10 school days.
- Requests for discounted holidays or general travel are unlikely to be approved.
Families across our trust follow a consistent approach. Fines will be issued for unauthorised term-time leave.
Attendance and the Law
- Attends school regularly and on time
- Receives a full-time education
- £160 per parent, per child, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days
- Applies to unauthorised absence, including holidays
- 2nd offence (within 3 years): £160 with no reduction
- 3rd offence: Prosecution via Magistrate’s Court
Support for Families
We aim to support every student in maintaining excellent attendance. If attendance drops below 97%, the Attendance Team may:
- Send notification letters
- Arrange meetings with parents/carers
- Escalate concerns following our attendance policy
We understand some families face challenges. Our staff are here to offer practical advice, emotional support, and help with specific circumstances.
Need Help or Have Questions?
- Contact the Attendance Team via the Netherthorpe School website
- Students can visit the Attendance Officer opposite Room 63 during school hours
Every School Day Counts
Pupils with 95–100% attendance are almost twice as likely to achieve a Grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSE compared to those attending 90–95% of the time.
Missing just 10 school days in a year can reduce the likelihood of achieving these grades by around 50%.
Persistent absence (missing more than 10% of school days) is linked to significantly lower academic outcomes and even reduced future earnings—by as much as £10,000 less by age 28.
Meet the Attendance Team
The Attendance Team is:
Mr Nixon – Assistant Headteacher – Data and Outcomes
Mr Scott – Progress Leader KS4
Mr Brown- Progress Leader KS3
Mrs Scragg – Attendance Officer
Mrs Wragg – Attendance Officer
Student Support Officers:
Mrs Sawyer- Year 7 SSL
Ms Afoloabi- Year 8 SSL
Miss Greenway- Year 9 SSL
Mr Colley- Year 10 SSL
Mr Doram- Year 11 SSL
