---

To report your children's absence, please use the Edulink one app:

Please use the absence reporting feature on the app. Make sure to complete both the dates and provide the reasons for your absence. We expect a detailed explanation for the absence:

If you are experiencing difficulties while using the Edulink app, please email Lauren Chilvers:  lauren.chilvers@theglc.org.uk or call the Academy at 01375489000. Choose the option to report your child's absence.

---

Key attendance information

Attendance vs Days off school

• A calendar year has 365 days or 52 weeks or 12 months.
• A school year has 195 days, 39 weeks or 6 half-terms (Autumn 1, Autumn 2, Spring 1, Spring 2, Summer 1 and Summer 2).
• INSET School Training Days total 5 each year.
• Students are expected to attend 190 days.
• The school day is divided into two sessions, therefore, students should have 380 sessions a year.

Gateway's attendance target is 96%

• 1 day off per school year means attendance will only ever reach 99.5%.
• 10 days off per school year means attendance will only ever reach 94.7%.
• 20 days off per school year means attendance will only ever reach 90%.

Poor school attendance can result in:

• Academic Underachievement.
• Difficulty in making or keeping friendship groups.
• Loss of child’s confidence and self-esteem.

---

Attendance Escalation

A decline in attendance without medical evidence will lead to the issuance of a Stage 1 letter sent home. If improvements are not observed, parents will be invited to attend a school-based meeting to discuss the necessary support.

If, despite these efforts, attendance issues persist, we may refer to Dominic Davison, Educational Welfare Officer. There is also the option of involving the GLC Attendance Panel where necessary.

Templates of the letters that we use at The Gateway Academy can be found at the bottom of this page.

---

Punctuality Process

Here at the Gateway Academy, we expect every student to be in school on time, throughout the day.  Poor punctuality to both school and lessons can result in:

• Academic underachievement.
• Difficulty in making or keeping friendship groups.
• Loss of child’s confidence and self-esteem.

As we feel so passionate about ensuring your child is reaching their full potential every single day, the Academy has introduced a system to combat lateness to school and lessons:

If your child is late for school without a valid reason, they will be issued a 30-minute same-day detention. You will receive a text message to inform you of this.

Similarly, students who arrive late to lesson without valid reasons will also receive a 30-minute same-day detention, and you will be notified via text message.

For students who persistently arrive late to school or lessons, they will be expected to attend a 2-hour detention."

Only in exceptional circumstances will a student’s lateness not result in the above-mentioned consequences.  Students who drop siblings off will not be exempt from this.  As a parent/carer, we are asking for your assistance with your child’s punctuality to ensure that they are on time each and every day, not only to school but also to lessons.  School starts at 8.12am and ALL students should be through the gate by this time.  Anyone arriving after this will be registered as late.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Chilvers on 01375 489000.