At Langold Dyscarr Community School, we believe that every child deserves the best opportunities and start in life so that they can be successful in the future. That journey begins with being in school every day and ready to learn. Children with good attendance make the best progress, build stronger friendships, and enjoy their school experience more. We want every child’s time at Langold Dyscarr to be positive and rewarding.

 Our aim is to continue to work collaboratively with families to address any attendance issues and we will provide support and explore solutions together to support all learners to be in school regularly and on time.

How do I report my child's absence?

Parents are expected to inform the school office of their child's absence by phoning school 01909 730396 or by emailing: office@langold-dyscarr.notts.sch.uk by 8.45am at the very latest. Emails to other school email addresses will not be accepted.

If no reason for absence is provided by 9.00am the school will initially send a text. if there is no response the school will then telephone you to request the reason for absence.

Regular and punctual attendance at school is a legal requirement and a responsibility shared by parents/carers and the school. We have an Attendance Support Team at school who are available to discuss any issues or problems you may have regarding attendance or punctuality.

Welfare checks

Sometimes known as Safe and Well checks, are a supportive way that schools make sure children are safe and well when they are unexpectedly absent and the school has not been able to contact home.

National guidance, including Working Together to Improve School Attendance and Keeping Children Safe in Education, explains that schools have a responsibility to follow up absences quickly because sometimes a child not being in school can be linked to illness, family difficulties, or other worries rather than a simple attendance issue.

A welfare check might be a phone call, a visit to the home, or contact through another professional (social care or police), and its purpose is always to check that your child is safe and to see if the school can offer help or support. These checks are not about blame or punishment; they are about care, safeguarding, and working in partnership with families to make sure children are supported back into school as soon as they are able.

Keeping Children Safe in Education states that schools have a duty to act early when concerns arise. This may be a phone call on the first two days and a home visit on the third day. Failure to gain a response from the pupil or family would result in the situation being escalated.

Attendance Support Team

The members of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for attendance are: Mrs G Barlow (Head of School)

and Mrs M Neal (Head of School) - attendance Champion

The Attendance Support Team comprises of Mrs P Watkinson (Family Support Worker), Mrs G Barlow (Head of School) and Mrs M Neal (Head of School).

Additional Attendance Support Team members: Mrs B Moore (ELSA and Nurture Lead)

What do I do if my child is struggling to attend?

There are various forms of support available to you and your child if they are struggling to attend school. We have a welcome gate in the morning and evening with members of the Attendance Support Team on the gate.

Mrs P Watkinson will lead support meetings with you and your child. In addition, we also have other members of staff that offer further support. Mrs B Moore (Elsa and Nurture Lead)

Attendance Policy

A copy of our Attendance policy is available by clicking here.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

In September 2013 the Education (Pupil Registration) ( England) ( Amendment) Regulations 2013 came into force. These regulations make it clear that Headteachers should not grant approval for any leave of absence during term-time, including holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances. These regulations also state that holidays cannot be authorised retrospectively.

Any requests should be on an official school absence request form and handed into the school office for consideration prior to any holiday leave arrangements being made.

You may be issued with a Penalty Notice should leave be taken which is not authorised. If unpaid this could lead to prosecution under section 444(1) of The Education Act 1996.