Pupils & Parents

Attendance

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At the King David High School, we believe regular attendance is essential to students’ learning, wellbeing, and safeguarding. We expect all students to attend school every day unless they are unwell or there is an unavoidable reason for absence. We work closely with families to support good attendance and intervene early where concerns arise.

Our Approach to Attendance

We take a support-first approach to attendance. Where a student’s attendance begins to decline, families are offered in-school early help and pastoral support to address barriers and help students re-engage successfully. If support is not engaged with, or attendance does not improve, the school will follow statutory procedures in line with local authority guidance.

Attendance Expectations

• Students are expected to attend school every day and on time

• Attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absence

• Even small amounts of absence can significantly impact progress and wellbeing

Reporting Absence

Parents and carers must inform the school on the first day of absence and provide a reason. Where no explanation is received, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and follow-up contact will be made. If a student has not arrived by 10:00am, the school will take further action, including phone calls, emails and home visits where required.

Holidays in Termtime

Holidays taken during term time are not authorised unless exceptional circumstances apply and written permission is granted in advance by the Headteacher. Requests must be made before travel arrangements are booked and absence will otherwise be recorded as unauthorised. In nearly all cases where unauthorised term-time leave is taken, the school will request that the local authority issues a penalty notice in line with national and local guidance.

When your child is unwell

If you are unsure whether your child is too ill to attend school, we ask parents and carers to refer to the NHS guidance “Is my child too ill for school?”. This provides clear advice on common illnesses and helps families make informed decisions about attendance, ensuring children are not kept off school unnecessarily while also protecting their health and the health of others.

Supporting good attendance and building resilience

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting good attendance by encouraging routine, punctuality and regular school attendance, even when children feel anxious or reluctant. Attending school consistently helps children develop resilience, independence and confidence - skills that are essential for learning and life beyond school. By working in partnership with the school and engaging with support when offered, families help ensure that children build the habits and resilience needed to thrive both now and in the future.

Punctuality

Students are required to be in registration by 8:40am. Late arrivals are monitored closely and persistent lateness is followed up by the pastoral team, as lateness has a negative impact on learning and routines.

Supporting Students with Low Attendance

Attendance is monitored daily and reviewed regularly. Support is graduated according to need:

• 95–90%: monitoring and early conversations with students and families

• Below 90%: attendance support meetings, attendance contracts and targeted in-school support

• Severe or ongoing absence: Early Help referrals, home visits and multi-agency working where appropriate

Where there are SEND, safeguarding or EBSA concerns, the attendance team works closely with the SENDCo and safeguarding leads to provide joined-up support.

Statutory Action

If parents or carers do not engage with support or attendance fails to improve, the school may request statutory action from the local authority, including the issue of penalty notices. This is always a last resort and follows clear attempts to support the family first.

Attendance and Safeguarding

Poor attendance can be a safeguarding concern. The school works closely with safeguarding staff and external agencies to ensure that children who are not attending school are safe and appropriately supported.

Contact Us

If you have concerns about your child’s attendance or would like support, please contact the school and ask to speak to the attendance team.