Every day matters. Every pupil matters. Every opportunity to learn matters.

Every School Day Counts

At Discovery Academy, we believe that regular school attendance plays an important role in helping pupils feel connected, build positive relationships and achieve their full potential.

Every school day provides opportunities to learn, develop independence, strengthen friendships and celebrate success as part of the #DiscoveryCrew.

We recognise that, for some pupils, attending school can present additional challenges. We are committed to working closely with families to understand individual circumstances, identify barriers and provide appropriate support.

Our approach is built on understanding, partnership and a shared commitment to helping every pupil succeed.

Working Together to Support Attendance

We understand that difficulties with school attendance can arise for many reasons, including health, wellbeing, anxiety or changes in circumstances.

If your child is finding it difficult to attend school, we encourage you to speak to us as early as possible. Together, we can explore the reasons behind these difficulties and identify practical ways to support your child.

You can contact:

• Ms J Higgins

• Your child's Class Teacher

• The School Wellbeing Team

Our aim is to work collaboratively with families to help pupils feel safe, supported and confident in attending school.

Please don't wait until attendance becomes a significant concern. We're here to help.

Suggested photograph: A member of staff supporting a pupil, a welcoming classroom environment or a positive interaction between pupils and staff.

Reporting Your Child's Absence

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, please notify us as soon as possible.

<text color="default">School Attendance Contact</text>

Telephone: 0114 479 8000

Please contact school as early as possible on the day of absence, ideally before 8:30am, to explain why your child will not be attending.

If your child is unexpectedly absent and we have not received an explanation by 8:30am, we will endeavour to contact a parent or carer to establish the reason for their absence and confirm their whereabouts.

This is an important part of our safeguarding responsibilities and helps us ensure that every pupil is safe and accounted for.

Illness and When to Stay at Home

We recognise that children can become unwell and that there will be occasions when staying at home is necessary.

If your child is experiencing a contagious illness, please keep them at home to help protect other pupils and staff.

Sickness and Diarrhoea

If your child has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea, they should remain at home until 48 hours after their last episode.

For further information about infectious illnesses and recommended exclusion periods, please refer to the government's health protection guidance for schools.

If Your Child Becomes Unwell at School

If your child becomes unwell during the school day, we will contact you by telephone and arrange for them to be collected where necessary.

It is therefore essential that we have accurate and up-to-date contact information for parents, carers and emergency contacts.

Accidents and Emergencies

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always our priority.

If your child has an accident at school, appropriate first aid will be provided.

Where an injury is serious, we will contact parents or carers and arrange emergency medical assistance, including an ambulance, where appropriate.

To help us respond quickly and effectively, please ensure we have:

• Current parent and carer telephone numbers.

• Up-to-date home addresses.

• Emergency contact details for a trusted relative or friend.

• Information about any changes in circumstances that may affect how we contact you during the school day.

Please inform the school office promptly if any of your contact details change.

Holidays During Term Time

We encourage families to arrange holidays during school holiday periods to avoid unnecessary disruption to their child's education.

As with other schools, Discovery Academy is required to follow national attendance regulations. Family holidays during term time will not normally be authorised.

Requests for leave of absence during term time can only be considered in exceptional circumstances, in line with statutory guidance and the academy's attendance policy.

National Attendance Guidance

From 1 September 2024, the Department for Education introduced statutory guidance entitled Working Together to Improve School Attendance.

This guidance places a strong emphasis on schools and families working together to promote good attendance, identify the causes of absence and address barriers that may prevent pupils from attending regularly.

At Discovery Academy, we are committed to following this approach through early communication, supportive relationships and personalised strategies where appropriate.

Nexus Multi Academy Trust has produced a helpful overview explaining the guidance and what it means for families.

Read the Nexus MAT Attendance Guide for Families

You can also find further information in our school attendance booklet below.

[INSERT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE BOOKLET / DOWNLOAD LINK]

When Should I Keep My Child Away from School?

It can sometimes be difficult to decide whether your child is well enough to attend school.

The NHS provides helpful advice about common childhood illnesses and when children should remain at home.

NHS Guidance: Is My Child Too Ill for School?

If you are unsure, please contact school so that we can discuss your child's circumstances and offer appropriate guidance.

Making School Unmissable

At Discovery Academy, we want every pupil to feel that they belong, that they are valued and that their presence makes a difference.

Good attendance supports learning, friendships, wellbeing and preparation for adulthood. However, we recognise that achieving regular attendance is not always straightforward.

Through strong relationships, open communication and working together with families, we aim to create the conditions in which every pupil can attend, participate and thrive.

Together, we can make every school day count.

Dreamers. Believers. Achievers.

[IMAGE 3 – Celebrating Attendance and Belonging]
Suggested photograph: Pupils enjoying a shared learning experience, participating in a school event or celebrating an achievement with the #DiscoveryCrew.