Attendance Matters at Oldbury Wells School

Regular attendance is crucial for students' academic success and personal development.  We are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated to attend school every day.

Why Attendance is Important

• Academic Achievement: Consistent attendance helps students keep up with the curriculum and perform better in their studies.
• Social Skills: Regular attendance allows students to build strong relationships with their peers and teachers.
• Future Success: Good attendance habits set the foundation for future success in higher education and the workplace.

At Oldbury Wells School, we encourage our students to enjoy their learning journey, aspire to reach their highest potential, and achieve their goals.  Regular attendance is a key part of this journey, ensuring that students can fully participate in all the opportunities our school offers.

We also encourage parents and guardians to support their children in maintaining excellent attendance.  Together, we can ensure that every student at Oldbury Wells School reaches their full potential.

School Day

The first bell goes at 8:40am.  Pupils should be going to tutor time at this point.  The register is taken at 8:45am.  Any student arriving after 8:50 should make their way to reception to sign in.

Parental Responsibility for Attendance

If your child is going to be absent from school:

• Telephone the school (01746 765454 Option 1) or e-mail [email protected] before 8.30am each day of your child’s absence.
• Please continue to report absence for each day your child is not in school. This is for safeguarding purposes.  We do, however, understand that some illnesses and reasons will naturally require consecutive days of absence.  In this case, please report this to us.
• Tell the school in advance of any medical appointments and bring in appointment cards/letters.
• If you are not sure whether your child is well enough to attend school, send them in anyway as they often perk up on arrival.
• Have a backup plan for if your child misses transport - call on a family member, neighbour or friend.
• If you and your child are experiencing difficulties with school attendance then talk to us as a first step so we can help!

 What WE will do

• Check your child’s attendance every day.
• Phone home to discuss your child’s attendance if we have concerns.
• Invite you into school for attendance meetings if we are concerned.
• If we cannot establish a reason for absence, then we may make a welfare home visit.

Please contact your Form Tutor or Head of Year if you want to discuss your child’s attendance.

Education Welfare Officer (EWO):  An Education Welfare Officer is a dedicated professional who plays a crucial role in promoting regular school attendance.  EWOs visit schools to meticulously monitor attendance patterns.  Their focus extends beyond mere numbers; they keenly observe signs that may indicate underlying challenges.  By collaborating closely with school staff, parents, and students, EWOs provide invaluable support to enhance attendance.  It is important to recognise that improved school attendance not only impacts academic outcomes but also contributes significantly to social and emotional well-being.  Should you have any queries regarding attendance or seek guidance, I encourage you to engage with your school, as they are well-equipped to assist you.

Our EWO is Emma Chafer and you can find her in school on Wednesdays.

Useful Links

Attendance Policy

Leave of Absence Form