Attendance
Analysis of our attendance data shows that there has been an increase in unauthorised absence from school including absence from school for family holidays.
The issue of school absence has been ongoing for a number of years and following a final judgement made by the courts many local authorities including North Tyneside have reported an increase in the fines they are issuing related to unauthorised holidays.
Please note that the school will be unable to authorise any absences unless your child is ill or absent as a results of exceptional circumstances. The governors have decided to issue the following statement.
“At Wellfield Middle School we are of the opinion that taking a child out of school without there being exceptional circumstances or illness will be seen as unauthorised absenteeism. In the first instance the school have the responsibility of all its’ pupils and their education. This is in line with the Department of Education guidance that can be found at https://www.gov.uk/school-
attendance-absence/overview. There is a moral and sound judgment that term time holidays have an impact on a pupils learning and therefore we will not authorise absence for holidays.
If there are any unauthorised absence, the school will then review the pupils attendance records. If necessary we may take the matter further with the local education authority who will also consider fines for those parents. In the case of any unresolved matters, there is a school complaint process – details of which can be obtained from our school website.”
Alex Giles
Chair of Governors
The importance of regular school attendance
The school wants all children to have the best possible attendance at Wellfield Middle to enable each and every child to reach their full potential.
There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results for children. Children who frequently miss school may fall behind in their work which may affect their future prospects.
Good school attendance also shows future employers that a young person is reliable, more likely to achieve well and play a positive role in their community.
Young people who are frequently absent from school are more likely to become involved in, or be a victim of crime and anti-social behaviour.
At Wellfield we work closely with families to support them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.
Your responsibilities as a parent
Parents and carers have a duty to ensure their child has a suitable education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Parental support is critical in ensuring that children achieve in education and support and guidance is always available at your child’s school.
Every Minute Counts
| 5 minutes late each day | 3 days lost |
| 10 minutes late each day | 6.5 days lost |
| 15 minutes late each day | 10 days lost |
| 20 minutes late each day | 13 days lost |
| 30 minutes late each day | 19 days lost |
Pupils Timings
| 8:30 am | Gates open for KS2 |
| 8.40 am | KS2 Bell |
| 8:50 am | Gates open for KS3 |
| 8.55 am | KS3 Bell |
| 8.55 am | Registration |
| 12.15pm – 1.15pm | Lunch |
| 3.15pm | End of School Day KS2 |
| 3.30pm | End of School Day KS3 |