Attendance here at the Birley Academy is coordinated by Mr Eddie Child as Deputy Headteacher.
The team consists of:
You can support us with this aim by taking the following actions:
100% | Perfection! |
99% | Excellent |
97% | Good |
95% | Concern if drops below 95% |
<90% | Very concerned |
<85% | Significantly concerned |
The table below explains in more detail the implications of being absent from school.
Attendance in one year | Equals days absent | Equals weeks absent | Hours of learning missed | Over 5 years |
95% | 9 | 2 | 50 | 3 months |
90%* | 19 | 4 | 100 | 6 months |
80% | 38 | 8 | 200 | 1 year |
70% | 59 | 12 | 300 | 18 months |
60% | 80 | 16 | 400 | 2 years |
50% | 100 | 20 | 500 | 30 months |
*Government research indicates that 16 days absence (92% attendance) equals a full GCSE grade dropped. |
We understand that there can sometimes be genuine reasons for absences. Please remember to keep the Academy Office always informed about any absence from school by calling 0114 2392531, option 1 for attendance.
At times illness can prevent your child from attending school. If this is the case, please ensure you let the Academy know before the start of the school day. To do this, you will need to contact the Academy office on the above number and provide the name of the child who will not be in attendance and the reason for this.
If your child becomes unwell at school, they may be assessed by class teachers and a first aid trained member of staff who will determine if they are suitable to remain in the Academy. If they need to be sent home, this will be authorised by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and parents/carers will be contacted. Pupils must not telephone parents to get ‘consent’ to go home poorly during the school day.
NHS guidance on deciding whether or not your child is too ill to go to school can be found here.
If your child is on any medications, this should not prevent them coming to school. We have first aiders who can administer the medication when required. Please note that a medication form will need to be filled in and signed by parents/carers. These forms can be obtained from reception or emailed to you upon request by our Medical and First Aid Officer, Ms Rebecca Jones – [email protected] .
As a general practice, we strongly discourage scheduling medical appointments during the school day. In cases where this is unavoidable, we kindly request that you provide medical evidence to explain your child’s lateness to school. If no proof is provided, this may be classed as an unauthorised absence.
Holidays will not be authorised during term time. If you take your child on holiday during term time, we will follow the guidance set by Sheffield Local Authority and you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
Please be aware of the increased rigour and financial penalties not in place by Sheffield Local Authority which came into force on 19th August 2024.