Attendance Ethos: A Foundation for Success

At The Cottesloe School, our ethos is built on the belief that outstanding attendance and punctuality are the essential, non-negotiable foundations for achieving our core vision to 'Prepare, Aspire, Succeed.'

We view daily attendance not merely as a statutory requirement, but as the primary ingredient for accessing vital continuity of learning and fulfilling personal potential. Consistent presence in school is directly linked to better academic outcomes, increased self-esteem, and the successful development of key life habits, such as responsibility, resilience, and respect.

A Shared Partnership

Attendance is a shared partnership, where consistent presence equals maximised opportunity. To ensure every student can fulfil their potential and actively participate in the Cottesloe journey, we require a shared commitment from all members of our community.

We commit to providing a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment that removes barriers to learning. In return, we rely on the following shared expectations:

For Our Students

We expect students to demonstrate a high standard of commitment by being present and punctual for every lesson, every day.

• Be Present: Attend school every day and be punctual for all timetabled lessons, recognizing that every lesson is an opportunity.
• Be Ready: Arrive at school and lessons prepared to learn, with the necessary equipment and a positive, focused mindset.
• Take Responsibility: Understand the strong link between attendance and personal achievement, and actively seek support from staff if challenges arise.

For Our Parents & Carers

Your support is crucial in reinforcing the school's ethos at home.

• Prioritise Attendance: Place a high priority on attendance and punctuality.
• Avoid Term-Time Absence: Strive to book medical appointments and, crucially, family holidays outside of school hours or term time.
• Partner with the School: Work proactively and collaboratively with staff to address and resolve any barriers that impact your child's regular attendance.
• Communication: Contact the school before 8:30 am on the first day of any absence.

For Our Staff

• Promote the Ethos: Foster a welcoming, engaging, and safe learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to attend.
• Monitor and Intervene Early: Accurately record attendance and punctuality in every lesson, making early contact with families when unexplained absence or patterns of concern are identified.

Provide Support: Build respectful relationships and implement supportive, timely intervention strategies to help students return to and sustain full attendance after any period of difficulty.

Attendance Ethos: A Foundation for Success

---

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unable to attend school, you must report it immediately to safeguard their welfare.

• Deadline: Contact the school before 8:30 am on the first day of any absence.
• Details Required: You must provide a clear reason for the absence.
• Extended Absence: Please maintain communication with the school throughout any period of extended absence.

To report an absence, please contact:

• Phone: 01296 689720
• Email: studentabsence@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Support & Barriers to Learning

We understand that some students face unique challenges. If you are struggling with barriers to attendance, we urge you to Partner with the School immediately. Our staff are dedicated to building positive relationships and providing appropriate intervention strategies to help your child succeed.

For advance Leave of Absence Requests

Please use the form below, giving at least one week's notice before the absence.

Leave of Absence Request Google Form 

Unavoidable appointments (medical, orthodontist) should be covered by this form and be submitted to the school not less than one week before the initial period of absence. The headteacher would normally expect students to make medical/dental/optician appointments outside of school time.