Attendance

Every Minute Matters

At Maritime Academy, we want every child to feel happy, safe and ready to learn. Regular attendance plays a vital role in helping children thrive at school, supporting not only their academic progress but also their confidence, friendships and sense of belonging within our community. Our commitment to attendance centres around a shared understanding of everyone’s roles and collective responsibilities to promote exceptional attendance.

How to report your child’s absence?

Please use the Arbor Parent App to log any absences, sickness or planned appointments or email attendance@maritimeacademy.org.uk

Why is attendance important?

Children who attend school regularly are more likely to:

  • Make good academic progress
  • Build positive friendships
  • Develop confidence and resilience
  • Feel part of the school community
  • Enjoy learning and new experiences

Even a small number of missed school days can affect learning, wellbeing and social development. By working together, we can ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed, both in school and beyond.

'Making Excellence a Habit'

It’s important that we help our students to get into the good habits that they will need in the workplace as excellent attendance and punctuality are essential in their future employment.

Common types of absence

Medical Appointments

Where possible, please arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside school hours. If an appointment needs to take place during the school day, please provide the school with a copy of the appointment confirmation.

Holidays During Term Time

The Government expects children to attend school during term time. Leave of absence during term time can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
If you believe there are exceptional circumstances, please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form before making any travel arrangements.

How do we promote attendance at Maritime Academy?

Attendance to school is a priority for achievement therefore, we reward students  by using the following:

  • Termly ‘Golden Ticket’ events for students achieving 100% attendance per term
  • Weekly assemblies highlighting previous week’s attendance including the highest and most improved Fleet recognised through our weekly video
  • Termly Celebration Assemblies prizes for the highest Fleet and most improved Fleet as well as the five most improved individuals in each year group
  • Positive points system: 5 merits awarded weekly for all students who have 100% attendance every week, rewarded by their Fleet Captains
  • 20-day Challenge with incentives and £20 vouchers for attending 20 consecutive days
  • Letters of Excellence and 100% Pin Badges for students who achieve 100% attendance per academic year
  • Year Group Reward Trips at the end of each year for students who have achieved the highest attendance in their year groups

Need support with attendance?

We understand that children and families can face challenges that make attending school difficult. Whether the issue is linked to health, anxiety, friendships, family circumstances or other concerns, we encourage you to talk to us as early as possible.

The sooner we understand what is getting in the way, the sooner we can work together to find the right support for your child.

School Support

Please contact us if you would like to discuss:

  • Attendance concerns
  • Emotional wellbeing or anxiety
  • Friendship difficulties
  • Behaviour concerns
  • Family challenges that may be affecting attendance
  • Support for children with additional needs

 

Additional Support

For emotional wellbeing and mental health
  • Your GP
  • School Nursing Service
  • Local Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

For parenting and family support
  • Early Help Services
  • Family Hubs
  • Local Authority Family Support Teams

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • School SENDCo
  • Local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

For financial or practical support
  • Local Authority Support Services
  • Citizens Advice
  • Food banks and community support organisations

 

Working together for good attendance

We are committed to meeting our obligations with regards to school attendance, including those laid out in the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) statutory guidance on working together to improve school attendance, through our whole-school culture and ethos that values good attendance.

We believe that the best outcomes for children are achieved when schools and families work together. Regular attendance is a shared responsibility, and your support plays a vital role in helping your child succeed.

By ensuring your child attends school every day, arrives on time and is ready to learn, you are helping them to make the most of every opportunity. We recognise that there may be times when attending school is difficult, and we are committed to working alongside families to find solutions and provide support where needed.

 

We encourage parents and carers to:

  • Promote the importance of good attendance and punctuality at home
  • Establish positive morning and bedtime routines and ensure your child is in school by 8.25am each day
  • Contact school promptly if there are concerns affecting attendance
  • Work with us to identify and overcome barriers to attendance
  • Attend meetings and engage with support offered by the school

 

Our approach is one of support, understanding and partnership. If attendance becomes a concern, we will work with you to understand the reasons and agree the best way forward for your child. Together, we can help every child attend regularly, feel they belong and achieve their full potential.

If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the Attendance Team: attendance@maritimeacademy.org.uk