Attendance

The Matthew Arnold School is committed to working with families to ensure that all students attend school regularly. Please read our Attendance Policy which can be found in School Policies here

Good attendance at our School is vital for students to achieve their full educational potential. Students with good attendance records benefit in the following ways:-

• Continuity of learning which makes progress and retention easier
• Improved performance in coursework tasks
• Enhanced performance in examinations
• Continuity of relationships and friendships
• Good references for further education or employment
• Good habits are formed for later life

Aims and principles of good attendance

• All students have a minimum attendance target of 95%.
• The school is committed to maximising the achievement and attainment of all students.
• There is a clear link between good attendance and educational achievement.
• Regular and punctual attendance is vital if students are to benefit fully from the academic, personal and social opportunities that are offered to them within the school.
• Families play an important role in supporting the school and encouraging students to reach good attendance levels.
• A broad and balanced education is dependent on regular attendance at school.
• Appropriate action will be taken to promote and encourage good attendance.

Supporting attendance, achievement and progress

• On each day of absence, families must inform the School by 8.45 am on 01784 457 275, option 1 or email us attendance@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk
• Failure to do so will result in contact being made by the attendance team (first day of absence).
• Where attendance falls below target levels (95%) over a prolonged period of time, a letter of concern will be sent home.
• Continued concern will lead to further communications. These could include forming attendance action plans, attendance panel meetings and possible prosecution in more serious cases.

Absence during the school day/appointments

• Students should always attend school BEFORE the appointment to get their morning mark.
• Students should always return AFTER the appointment via the attendance office, even if it is for the last half hour of school, to receive their mark and collect any missed work.
• Try to ensure that regular appointments, e.g. orthodontist, are arranged during the school holidays and half-term holidays if possible, or after school.
• We do understand that some appointments cannot be changed, however please always QUESTION if there is an alternative or later appointment that day, e.g. after school.
• Talk to the Head of Year or Attendance Officer with regards to medical help offered in school. Always obtain proof of medical appointments e.g. appointment card, letter.
• If you are requesting a leave of absence, please email the necessary details to attendance@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk

Unauthorised Attendance and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)

• As you may be aware, amendments to The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 make it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances and that Headteachers should determine the number of days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted. 
• In June 2024 our school governors agreed that we would request the Local Authority to issue a penalty notice for any holiday of 5 days (10 sessions) or more and we informed parents of this change. The Penalty Notice is a fine of £60 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days and £120 per parent, per child if paid after this date but within 28 days. 
• Failure to pay the Penalty Notice could result in the Local Authority starting legal proceedings against you for the offence of failing to ensure your child’s regular attendance at school.
• Our Attendance Policy states that term-time holidays will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances, and no absences will be authorised in July, September and during national testing periods. Please bear this in mind if you are considering taking your child out of school.

Punctuality

Arriving at school prepared for learning in correct uniform, with full equipment and a well-focused attitude for learning is of crucial importance. This is key to a positive start to the day’s learning. The school is open for students from 7.30am for those attending Breakfast Club. All students are expected to be in the building by 8.25am and in tutor time by 8.30am. Failure to do this will result in disruption to students’ own learning as well as the learning of others.

If a student is late, they will receive a 45 minute detention. If the problem continues, the school will make contact with families to seek clarification and plan ways forward. This may include involving the Inclusion Officer.