Attendance and Absence

Attendance is a key priority for us at Ormiston Queensmill Academy. Whilst we recognise that due to the needs of our pupils, their absence rates will sometimes be higher than their mainstream peers, we always aim for 100% for all pupils whenever possible. We work closely with families and other professionals to help remove any barriers to this goal.

Absenteeism is closely monitored and patterns of absence are followed up by our senior staff who work with families and external agencies to resolve any reason for needless absence.

In line with current statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), the academy is not permitted to authorise holidays during term time. Leave of absence can only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and all requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All requests must be made in writing to the Principal, Aymeline Bel, at [email protected]. Supporting evidence may be required, and further information may be requested to assess the circumstances fully.

What Parents/Carers are expected to do:

  • Ensure your child attends every day the school is open
  • Notify the school before 8:30am each day of your child’s absence – 020 8740 8112
  • Only request leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and do so in advance in writing to the Principal, Aymeline Bel, at [email protected].
  • Book any medical appointments around the school day where possible. Notify the school of any medical appointments as far in advance as possible.
  • If your child has had vomiting or diarrhoea, keep them off school for 48 hours after their last episode
  • Proactively engage with the support offered

What WE will do:

  • Share our attendance policy and have it available on the school website
  • Maintain a whole school culture that promotes good attendance
  • Complete daily attendance registers
  • Follow up on absence
  • Work with each identified student and their parents/carers to understand and address the reasons
    for absence
  • Take a multi-disciplinary approach to work with professionals to address and help overcome any
    barriers to attendance