There is a dedicated attendance telephone line to notify school of pupil absences. Parents/carers should call 020 8989 2791 and select option 2 each day of absence and leave the following information:

• Pupil's name
• Tutor Group
• Nature of illness/reason for absence
• Expected date of return
• Caller's relationship to pupil

The school has developed its own internal systems in order to maintain high levels of attendance to school. Wanstead High School works closely with the Educational Welfare Service to ensure pupils are accessing education to a level which will enable them to achieve the best outcomes possible for them. This service along with our Heads of Years work with families who have difficulties maintaining acceptable levels of attendance.

To ensure the safety of our pupils the school has a dedicated Attendance Officer and Home Liaison who makes sure that contact is made with families on the first day of absence. For pupils who have Social or Emotional difficulties the Pastoral team offers a range of support to help pupils overcome barriers preventing them from accessing their education.

Attendance Matters

What is good attendance?

Having a good education will help to give your child the best possible start in life.

100% attendance - your child will be able to take advantage of all the opportunities open to them.

Children who attend above 95% are more likely to obtain better GCSE results.

93% attendance - your child will have missed one whole year of schooling over the 11 years of their education

Under 93% attendance - your head of year and other school staff will support your child to improve

Setting good attendance patterns from an early age will also help your child later on. Employers want to recruit people who are reliable. Pupils who have a poor school attendance record may have less chance of getting a good job. 

It is also very important that your child arrives on time.

Days lost through lateness 
 

Parents and Carers 

• Make attendance a priority
• Arrange medical and dental appointments outside of school hours, either after school or during the school holidays
• Ensure your child leaves in plenty of time to arrive at school on time
• Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet to keep well
• Contact the school as early as possible if your child is unable to attend through illness, and ensure your child returns to school as soon as they are able 
• Holidays must NOT be arranged in term time as this disrupts a pupil's education. Absence taken without permission of the Head Teacher/SLT will be recorded as unauthorised, and the parent/carer may be liable to a Penalty Notice. (PN).

Religious Observance

The London Borough of Redbridge has consulted with various faith leaders and has concluded that pupils may take up to 3 days for religious observance in any one academic year. Pupils are encouraged to attend school unless an activity has been organised by the family or faith leader (eg going to mosque). Faith leaders have advised us that pupils should not see a day of religious significance as a “day off” from school. The Head Teacher decides which day(s) will be authorised for religious observance.

 With this in mind, and in line with our school policy, if your child is going to have more than 1 day off during any religious observance, you must submit any requests in writing one week prior to the event. Any further days taken in addition to the agreed authorised religious observance day must be authorised in advance by the school (and where necessary supported by your faith leader).

How we help

Wanstead High School seeks to ensure that all our pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise their true potential. The School works with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually to achieve this aim. The importance of attendance cannot be underestimated as good attendance is one of the main stepping stones to supporting the educational, social and emotional development of our pupils.

pupils with high levels of attendance are more likely to be selected as Prefects in year 11, acting as role models for younger pupils.

For information on Redbridge Council’s attendance policy please click here

Need support?

If you need help to support your child in attending school, and to improve their punctuality, please get in touch with your child’s Head of Year.  Contact details here.