If your child is unwell and cannot attend school, please ensure the absence line is telephoned on 01322 242252 (option 1) to advise us of the reason for non–attendance by 8.30am.

All students at Ebbsfleet Academy are expected to aim for 100% attendance if they are to fulfil their learning potential. Of course, there are times when attendance is not possible through illness or medical needs. 

Each year, for every 2 days a pupil is absent reduces their attendance by 1%. There is a direct correlation between high attendance and high academic attainment. Persistent non-specific illness e.g. poorly/unwell is not acceptable and will be questioned.

Children are required by law to attend school 190 days per year. The Government states that every pupil’s attendance should be at least 95%. For pupils and parents this can be translated into the following missed learning time.

  • 95% – 9 days absent (approx. 2 weeks) which means 54 lessons are missed
  • 90% – 19 days absent (approx. 4 weeks) which means 114 lessons are missed
  • 85% – 29 days absent (approx. 6 weeks) which means 174 lessons are missed
  • 80% – 38 days absent (approx. 8 weeks) which means 228 lessons are missed
  • 75% – 48 days absent (approx. 10 weeks) which means 288 lessons are missed
  • 70% – 57 days absent (approx. 11.5 weeks) which means 342 lessons are missed
  • 65% – 67 days absent (approx. 13.5 weeks) which means 402 lessons are missed

90% attendance sounds quite positive until it is viewed like this. We want to make every lesson count, please help us to do just that by aiming for a 100% percentage attendance.

Medical Appointments

Any medical appointments should be made for out of school hours. If this is not possible please ensure your child attends school directly after/before the appointment. Whole days off for medical appointments will not be authorised without prior consultation with the Attendance Officer. To contact the Attendance Officer, please email attendance@ebbsfleetacademy.org.uk.

Punctuality

All students need to be in school and in lessons on time. Students who constantly arrive late for school and lessons disrupt their own learning along with their peers. Persistent lateness will result in after school detentions and other sanctions being put in place. Students should arrive in school for 8:20am.

Feeling Unwell

Should a student feel unwell at school the first point of contact will be the attendance officer, who will determine after a discussion with the student if they are unable to continue with the school day. Parental contact will always need to be made before any student leaves site, therefore please ensure we always have your correct home numbers.

Holidays

Parents should not arrange holidays during term times as these are NOT permitted at Ebbsfleet Academy. They will incur a Fixed Penalty Notice fine of £120.00 per parent, per child. In exceptional circumstances should you require a leave of absence this must be submitted in advance in writing to the academy Principal for consideration.

Support Leaflets for Parents/Carers

Please see the following links for more information and support regarding your child’s attendance at school: