Regular attendance helps children to get into good learning habits and to grow into trustworthy, resilient young adults. Attending school regularly and punctually is also essential if young people are to make the most of the opportunities available to them and develop personal qualities expected in the workplace. Therefore, all children are required by law to punctually attend school 190 days per year, unless there is an agreed, authorised reason why they cannot. 

Impact of days learning missed 

Percent attendance  Days learning missed  Weeks learning missed  Lessons missed 
97.5%  5 days  1   25 
95%  10 days  50 
90%  20 days  100 

When a child needs to be absent due to illness, families should: 

  • Report absence via MyEd 
  • Ring the school and leave a voicemail (0115 9729421) 
  • Email attendance@wilsthorpe.ttct.co.uk
  • There is no “48-hour rule” for sickness as in some schools, students should return to school as soon as they feel better.
  • As a school if a child is absent from school for more than 3 days we will attempt to visit the home to check if any support is needed.

When absent for a medical appointment is known about in advance, families should: 

If evidence of the appointment is not attached to the request, we may not be able to authorise the absence.

Wilsthorpe School will seek to contact families when a child is absent on the day and or if there is an attendance/safeguarding concern and may carry out home visits for contact and safeguarding purposes without prior notice.

Wilsthorpe School may send Truancy call if no reason has been provided for a student’s absence before 08.30am on the day of the absence.

 How can families help? 

  • Set good evening & morning routines 
  • Encourage attendance every school day 
  • Contact your child’s Progress Manager if you require support 
  • Ensure appointments and holidays are taken out of school time.  
  • Remind students that every day missed can have an impact on their learning and their future. 

Request for absence or holiday.

Term dates and school holidays are published by the school. Please see the school calendar for all dates. The Headteacher cannot grant approval for any leave of absence during term-time, including holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances. If a family feels that there are indeed exceptional circumstances relating to a term-time holiday request, they should write to Mrs Scott (Assistant Headteacher), with full details for consideration, prior to any holiday/leave arrangements being made. You may be issued with a Penalty Notice should leave be taken which is not authorised. 

Absence Request Form

Please click here for our policies.