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Attendance matters

Attendance is about far more than being present for lessons. For us, it plays a vital role in safeguarding and wellbeing. When students are in the building, they are part of a supportive, familiar environment where trusted adults can offer guidance, reassurance and care.

  • We often talk about attendance in terms of "learning hours," but there is a much deeper reason why we monitor it so closely: Safeguarding. 
  • When a student is in the building, they have access to a consistent support network of mentors and peers. Regular attendance allows us to: 
    • Spot changes early: Seeing a student daily helps us notice if they seem "off," anxious, or in need of extra emotional support. 
    • Build trust: Safe, predictable routines help students feel secure and reduce the anxiety that can lead to absence. 
    • Provide a sanctuary: For many, our site is a calm space away from the pressures of the outside world. 

Our promise: We don’t just track numbers; we track wellbeing. If your child is struggling to attend, we want to work with you to understand the barriers. 

Working together: our attendance routine

To help us keep all our students safe, we ask for your support with the following: 

  • The "First Day" call: If your child is unwell or unable to attend, please contact us by 9:00 AM. Knowing where our students are is our first priority every morning. 
  • The "Why" matters: If there’s a specific reason for an absence (e.g., anxiety, a medical appointment, or a tough morning), please let us know. The more we know, the better we can adapt our support when they return. 
  • Safe arrivals: If your child travels independently, please ensure we have your current contact details so we can reach you quickly if they don’t arrive as expected. 

It's OK to ask for help

We know that for some of our families, getting through the door can be a mountain to climb. Whether it’s due to sensory overload, mental health struggles, or past negative experiences in education, we are here to help. If attendance is becoming a struggle, please reach out to Nicola Darcy. We can offer: 

  • Tailored re-integration: Flexible starts to help a student get back into the swing of things. 
  • Safe spaces: Access to our quiet zones or 1:1 check-ins upon arrival. 
  • Collaborative planning: Sitting down together to create a plan that works for your child. 

Find out more about attendance at the London school. 

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