Attendance

At Abraham Moss Community School we expect high levels of attendance and punctuality from all of our pupils. There is a clear link between attendance and attainment and as a school, we aim to achieve at least 97% attendance or 921.5 hours of learning across the year.

What if my child fails to attend school?

If your child is aged between 5 and 16 you must make sure they attend school regularly, arrive on time and stay in school. This is Law and you can be issued with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice) and/or taken to court for breaking this Law (section 444 of the Education Act 1996).

If we recognise that your child’s attendance is beginning to drop and your child records 5 days/10 sessions of absence we will begin our attendance process with you. This will involve you being sent letters from the school, being invited in for meetings to complete attendance contracts and potentially being issued a Notice to Improve Letter by Manchester City Council. You can find our full attendance policy in more detail below.

How will my child be rewarded for attending school regularly?

As part of our drive to achieve outstanding attendance, we have put into place a number of initiatives to reward pupils and their families for their continued support. Last year, all pupils who achieved 100% attendance were rewarded with certificates, vouchers, reward activities and reward trips. We are always looking to reward students who achieve outstanding attendance or show a significant improvement in their attendance across the year.

Primary

During hours where the school is closed there is a voicemail system where you can leave a message. To report your child absent from school please ring: 0161 532 5401 or send a message via the MCAS app.

Please ensure you state your child’s full name, their class and the reason for their absence. If you would like any support or guidance regarding your child’s attendance or punctuality please see Mrs Akhtar (Attendance Officer).

Secondary

In the Secondary Phase you can report your child is absent from 8am onwards by ringing: 0161 532 5400 or send a message via the MCAS app.

Please ensure you state your child’s full name, tutor group, your full name, and contact telephone number, and full details of your child’s condition (unwell or ill is not sufficient).

What about holidays or extended periods of absence?

If you wish to take your child out of school for a leave of absence during term time, authorisation will not be granted by our Headteacher unless there are exceptional circumstances. Whilst this is very rare, each application for a leave of absence will be considered on a case-by-case basis and it is crucial that you inform the school of the period of time your child will be absent for and the reason for their absence. You can do this by sending an email detailing your child’s name and year group, the dates of your planned absence and the reason you are travelling to admin@abrahammoss.co.uk.

Where applications for leave of absence are made in advance and refused, your child will be required to be in school on the dates set out in the application. If your child is absent during that period, it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued by the local authority. Where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued and not paid within the required timeframe as set out in the notice, the matter will be referred back to Manchester City Council to consider instigating criminal proceedings under S444 of the Education Act 1996.

If you take your child out of school for extended leave please be mindful that there is a possibility that you could lose your school place.

Attendance Tips for Parents

High attendance is imperative to allow our pupils to achieve their full potential. The following tips may help maintain high levels of attendance in our school.

1. Establish good habits and routines that support your child’s education. Read with them, do homework together and have strict bedtimes.
2. Make sure their uniform and PE Kit are ready for the next morning.
3. Get organised in the morning and arrive at school on time.
4. Ensure your child understands the benefits of regular attendance; to do well academically, to enjoy time with friends and to develop a healthy routine which prepares them for the future.
5. Try to avoid unnecessary absences. Wherever possible make medical appointments outside of school hours.
6. Take family holidays in school holiday time.
7. Communicate with school; ring if your child is ill and send a note when they return.

Our School Attendance Policy

Please access our more in depth school attendance policy using the link below…