At South Wigston High School we believe that high attendance is a key factor in student well-being and exam success. We have an extensive support team in place to ensure every student at South Wigston High School has high attendance and is well supported through any difficulties they are facing. This support network extends to parents and carers.

It is clear that students who attend South Wigston well (96%+) will achieve better outcomes, do better in lessons, find it easier to make progress and feel happier about school. We want this for every student and know good attendance is fundamental to supporting our young people to meet their best possible outcome.

Senior Leader responsible for attendance: Mr. Kieran Hawketts. Please contact Mr. Hawketts at khawketts@southwigston.lwlat.org.uk, should there be any major challenges requiring attendance support.

Report an Absence

Education is a vital part of a child's development, and regular school attendance plays a crucial role in ensuring they receive a well-rounded education. However, should your child be unable to attend school for any reason, we ask that you make every effort to notify the school on the morning of any absence so we can record absence appropriately. Please do this by:

• Phoning school before 08.45am - 0116 2782388
• Submitting an absence using the Weduc App

Attendance Resources

Please refer to our attendance policy for details of our attendance strategies, interventions and expectations.

Below are some other links you may find useful that are related to our policy and provide other local sources of support and information regarding student attendance: 

• https://resources.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools-colleges-and-academies/school-attendance
• https://www.leicester.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-and-colleges/attendance-behaviour-and-welfare/attendance-and-truancy/

Resources for Parents

Below are support pdf's that may help parents

Resources for Students

Below are support pdf's for students

Requests for term time leave of absence

• These requests must be made in writing to Ms. Fletcher if the parent/carer believes there are exceptional circumstances that warrant a leave of absence (as per the government guidelines).
• Each request will be considered individually and will take into account a number of factors.
• All requests will be responded to in writing.
• For more information on the Local Authority policies on fixed penalty notices for term time leave, please follow the relevant links above. 

Persistent and Severe Absence

Since 2015, the government have advised that Persistent Absence (PA) is when "a student enrolment’s overall absence equates to 10 per cent or more of their possible sessions." Therefore any student whose attendance is 90% or below is classified as Persistently Absent from school. 

Following new guidance from September 2022, Severe Absence (SA) has been defined as "those missing 50% or more of school".

Wellbeing Support

South Wigston High School are committed to the wellbeing of our students. This commitment can be seen in our strong pastoral support structures, our partnership with the school nursing service and links to external agencies.

We are pleased to share information about our partnership with an organisation called Service Six. 

This organisation consists of highly trained professionals who come into school and educate and work with students on various issues such as their wellbeing and self esteem, raising awareness of online safety, the dangers and signs of criminal exploitation, and they will talk to them about transferable life skills.

We are pleased to announce that Service Six are also working with us to include specific work supporting students with their mental health.

Click here to visit Service Six. 

Role of the Parent/Student

Role of the Parent / Carer

What can I do as a parent to support excellent attendance?

• Ensure they have a regular bed time.
• Limit digital technology use e.g. social media, gaming – try and finish an hour before bed.
• Ensure your child has their own alarm clock.
• Get their bag/equipment/PE kit is ready the night before.

Role of the Student

What is the role of the student?

• All students to arrive in school for the day to start at 8.25am (breakfast club is open all year round to all students from 8 – 8.20am)
• Students are expected to arrive on time for each period of the day
• Students arriving late will be marked late on the register and will receive a same day detention at break time.
• Late to school is defined as any student arriving after the gates have closed at 8.30am

Why is good attendance important?

Why is good attendance important?

• To avoid gaps in learning.
• To help achieve good exam results.
• To help with applications for sixth form/college or apprenticeships.
• To show a good attitude towards learning.
• To avoid further action from the school or local authority.

What absences are not appropriate?

What absences are not appropriate?

• To look after a sibling or other members of the family.
• To go shopping or visiting other relatives.
• Because they woke up late.
• For family birthdays or outings.

What is an authorised absence?

What is an authorised absence?

• Parents and carers can explain absences, but they cannot authorise them.  Only the school can decide whether explanations about absences are acceptable and can be authorised. We determine if absences are authorised based on what the Department for Education and our Trust policies state.
• For all students whose absence is below 95%, the academy may request a Doctor’s note or ask some form of medical evidence is provided.  Those without evidence and all other absences will be coded as ‘O’ and will not be authorised.

What if a student is late?

What if a student is late?

• They will be at a disadvantage
• They may miss important knowledge and content at the start of the progress coaching and interrupt learning.
• The school day starts at 8.25am when all students are expected to be in their designated area.
• Students are expected to arrive on time for each period of the day including registration and assemblies.
• Students arriving late will be marked late in the register and regular monitoring of punctuality will take place.
• Late to school is defined as any student arriving after 8.30am.

What happens if a student has missed too much school?

What happens if a student has missed too much of school?

• They will be at a disadvantage from their peers academically and socially
• This will impact upon their learning and progress
• They will find school more challenging
• Parents / Carers will be contacted by a member of school staff to offer support
• Parents / Carers may be invited to school for a meeting to discuss attendance
• If your child is aged between 5 and 16 you must make sure they attend school regularly and stay in school. This is Law, parents / carers can be taken to court for breaking this Law (section 444 of the Education Act 1996).