At Insights Independent School, we are committed to providing all students with the best possible chance to succeed. Regular attendance is essential, whether your child is learning on-site or through our off-site Alternative Learning Provisions.
Why Attendance Is So Important
Every day in school matters. Missing even a few days can impact not only a student’s academic progress, but also their confidence, routine, and relationships. National data shows a strong link between attendance and achievement at every stage of education.
That’s why we set a minimum attendance expectation of 95% for every student.
“Good attendance starts with school being somewhere pupils want to be.” – Working Together to Improve School Attendance (DfE, 2024)
Our Approach
We recognise that at times absences are unavoidable due to external meetings with health and medical professionals. We always ask parents to communicate clearly with us so we can offer appropriate support and ensure safeguarding.
We work closely with students, parents, carers, and local authorities to:
· Support regular attendance across all sites
· Respond quickly to unexplained or frequent absences
· Offer outreach and reintegration support where necessary
· Involve our HOPE team and external partners if additional help is needed
Our Attendance at Alternative Learning Provisions
Students accessing remote or off-site education remain fully enrolled in our school and are expected to attend those sessions regularly. These are monitored in the same way as on-site attendance and will be recorded on your child’s attendance record.
Reporting Absence
Parents and carers must contact us by 8:40am on each day of absence by:
· Calling 0208 840 9099 (selecting either Option 1 for our Lower School or Option 2 for our Upper School)
· Emailing: IN-parentcarers@insightsesc.co.uk
Please clearly state:
· Student’s full name
· Date and time of absence
· Specific reason for absence (e.g. “sore throat with no fever” vs. “unwell”)
Where necessary, we may request supporting documentation (e.g. appointment card, prescription).
Unauthorised Absence and Lateness
Absences without a valid reason or without notification will be marked as unauthorised and may trigger:
· Support meetings
· Home visits
· Referrals to our Education Welfare Officer
· Penalty notices or fines
Students arriving after 09:15am or missing sessions repeatedly may also be marked as unauthorised absent for that period.
Let’s Work Together
We understand every family’s situation is different. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re facing challenges with attendance as we are here to support you.
We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the government’s latest guidance which is linked below:
Working Together to Improve School Attendance – Department for Education