Attendance

Attendance at The Gillford Centre and School 180

At The Gillford Centre and School 180, we believe that every school day counts. Regular attendance is essential for our pupils to achieve their full potential, both academically and socially. We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure that all pupils have the best possible chance of success through consistent school attendance.

Why Attendance Matters

Attendance is more than just a number. Being in school every day:

  • Builds essential learning habits and routines.

  • Supports social development and friendships.

  • Increases confidence and engagement.

  • Reduces gaps in learning, which can affect long-term achievement.

  • Helps prepare pupils for future education, training, or employment.

Even small amounts of absence can have a big impact. Missing just one day a week adds up to 39 days – that’s almost eight weeks of learning lost over a school year.

Our Expectations

We aim for all pupils to attend school at least 96% of the time. We understand there are occasions when absence is unavoidable, such as genuine illness, and we ask families to keep us informed on such occasions.

We do not authorise term-time holidays unless there are exceptional circumstances, and we encourage parents to plan family trips during scheduled school holidays.

How We Support Attendance

Our team works closely with pupils and families to:

  • Monitor attendance patterns and identify early concerns.

  • Understand and address any barriers preventing regular attendance.

  • Provide access to support services where needed.

  • Celebrate and reward excellent and improved attendance.

In cases where attendance does not improve despite support, we may need to follow formal procedures, including referrals to external services or legal intervention.

Working Together

Improving attendance is a shared responsibility. We value open communication with families and encourage you to contact us early if you are facing any difficulties that may affect your child’s attendance.

Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Parental Request for Leave of Absence