At Ysgol Maesydderwen we recognise and understand the direct link between attendance at school to good emotional health, good educational progress and attainment. Being a community school with strong links with our primaries we are able to effectively monitor and track the attendance of all our students. Attendance is a particular focus of our Progress Leaders who work closely with our attendance officer, Mr Huw Thomas to ensure that any barriers in coming to school are addressed early with both the student and their family in a supportive manner. We have an excellent record of attendance which demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategies. Children who miss school frequently can fall behind with their work which can impact on confidence and self esteem. The school attendance target that students should be aiming for is 95%. From an academic perspective, government research shows that
It is important to let your child’s Progress Leader or Mr Huw Thomas of any attendance concerns.
Lateness = Lost Learning (Figures below are calculated over a school year)
5 minutes late each day
10 minutes late each day
15 minutes late each day
20 minutes late each day
30 minutes late each day
3 days lost
6.5 days lost
10 days lost
13 days lost
19 days lost
Holiday During Term-Time
While we always take personal circumstances into account, as a general rule, holidays will not be authorised for pupils with attendance under 95%, our attendance target for all pupils is 95%. We also take into consideration the possible impact on any key periods of learning identified and highlighted by the school.
There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results. Good attendance at school also shows potential employers that a young person is reliable.
Before booking holidays during term time, we ask that the impact that this will have on attendance and subsequently, progress is considered. The rewards for good attendance are clear; pupils are more likely to enjoy school, achieve better results and increase their career opportunities.
Should authorisation be given at the time of application, this will be conditional on attendance remaining above 95%. This authorisation will be withdrawn if attendance drops below 95% prior to the commencement date of the holiday.
Only parents/carers with parental responsibility should complete this form.
In the event that families wish to book a holiday during term-time, the following online form will need to be completed:
To report a learner absence, you can either telephone the school on the number above, email the details to the email address attendance@maesydderwen-hs.powys.sch.uk or send a text to the dedicated line 07312 263570