Attendance

At Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, we believe that excellent attendance is one of the most powerful factors in ensuring student success. Attending school regularly supports students to: 

  • Achieve stronger academic outcomes. 
  • Build positive habits for life. 
  • Form friendships and develop social skills. 
  • Stay connected to their school community. 
  • Access a broader range of future opportunities. 

Why Attendance Matters 

There are 190 school days each year, leaving 175 days for weekends, holidays, celebrations, family time and appointments. 

Absence whether authorised or not can lead to: 

  • Falling behind with classwork 
  • Missing enjoyable activities and projects 
  • Difficulty reconnecting with peers 
  • Increased anxiety about returning 

Parent Responsibilities 

Parents/carers are legally responsible for ensuring their child: 

  • Students attends school regularly and on time 
  • When students are absent for 3 or more days, a home visit with be conducted as per the attendance and safeguarding policy. (please add hyperlink to attendance policy) 
  • Student absences are reported by 9:30am on each day of illness, via Study bugs, provide an explanatory note on the reason for your child’s absence. Here’s the link: https://studybugs.com/about/parents   
  • Does not take holidays during term time 

Students Responsibilities 

  • Students must be on site by 8:45am. 
  • Arrivals after 8:50am receive a late mark (L or U) and a same day detention. 
  • Registers close at 9:20am. Arrivals after this without a valid reason result in an unauthorised absence (U code) for the morning session. This impacts on a student’s attendance percentage and can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice. 
  • Attendance falling below 95% is a concern and triggers staged interventions, which may lead to legal action if not improve. 

Appointments During School Time 

To protect learning time: 

  • Please book medical appointments outside school hours where possible. 
  • Only the time needed for the appointment will be authorised. 
  • Whole-day absences for appointments will not be authorised, unless evidence states the whole day is required. 
  • Evidence (appointment card/letter) must be provided to authorised all appointments during the school day. 

Term-Time Holidays & Extended Absence 

Requests for term time absence are not authorised, except in exceptional circumstances, as defined by the Department for Education. 

Examples not authorised: 

  • Family holidays 
  • Cheaper travel arrangements 
  • Visiting relatives 
  • Birthdays 
  • Social or cultural events 

Parents must complete an absence request form; however, approval is at the Principal’s discretion and is rarely granted.

Persistent or Ongoing Attendance Concerns 

The school will: 

  • Contact parents 
  • Offer support and guidance 
  • Request evidence for all absences 
  • Implement staged interventions 
  • Work with Coventry City Council if concerns continue. 

Any concerns please contact your child’s assistant head of year in the first instance, or Sharon Feeney – MAC Strategic Attendance Lead