Sheffield Park Academy Attendance 

Everyday matters at Sheffield Park Academy​

At Sheffield Park Academy, we believe that every student should be in school, every lesson, every day unless absence is unavoidable.​

Strong attendance helps students:​

• achieve better results ​

• feel confident in lessons ​

• build friendships ​

• develop routines for life beyond school ​

• feel part of our community ​

Attendance is not just about being present, it is about belonging, learning, and succeeding together as One Community,One Park.​

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Why attendance matters​

Missing school means missing learning.​

Even small amounts of absence quickly add up:​

• 1 day missed every two weeks = almost a month of learning lost each year ​

• 90% attendance = around 4 weeks of learning missed ​

• falling below 90% attendance makes students persistently absent ​

Students with strong attendance are much more likely to:​

• feel confident in lessons ​

• stay on track with their learning ​

• achieve strong GCSE outcomes ​

• develop positive habits for the future ​

Every lesson includes important learning, including our Blue Zone work completed in every lesson, every day, so beingpresent really matters.

Attendance and our CARE values​

Attendance is part of living our academy values every day.​

• Community: When students attend regularly, they strengthen their friendships, their form group and our wider academy community.​

• Ambition: Excellent attendance supports excellent outcomes. Being present helps students reach their goals.​

• Respect: Attending school shows respect for learning, teachers, classmates, and opportunities.​

• Endurance: Building strong attendance habits develops resilience and prepares students for future success.​

Local Authority Action & Fines​

Parents/carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and on time.  If absence continues and is unauthorised, the Local Authority may issue a Penalty Notice (fine). ​

• Penalty notices are usually considered where there are 5 days (10 sessions) of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period,including term-time holidays. ​

• The first penalty notice is £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days. ​

• A second penalty notice within 3 years is £160 per parent, per child. ​

• A third offence within 3 years may lead to court action instead of another fine. ​

• In serious cases, the Magistrates’ Court may issue larger fines, parenting orders or community orders.