Please be aware we are a nut free school. For more information please visit our Lunchtime Page.

Looking to join The Gordon Children's Academy in September 2026? 

Come along to our Opening Evening on 3rd November at 5pm.
See our school in action during one of our Open Day tours on 5th, 12th, and 19th November. Choose from 9:30-10:30am or 1:30-2:30pm tours.

Contact our office for more information. 

Attendance

Attendance at Gordon Children’s Academy

At Gordon Children’s Academy, we believe that excellent attendance is the foundation for every child’s success in school. Children who attend regularly are more likely to feel settled, build positive friendships, and make strong progress in their learning.

Why Attendance Matters

The Department for Education (DfE) sets a clear expectation that pupils should have attendance of at least 95% across the school year. Research shows that even small amounts of absence can add up to significant gaps in learning. For example:

  • 90% attendance = 19 days of school missed in a year.
  • 80% attendance = one full day of school missed every week.

Regular attendance not only supports academic progress but also helps children to develop routines, resilience, and a sense of belonging that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Attendance and Our School Values

At The Gordon Children’s Academy, we support pupils to LEARN MORE, DO MORE, and BE MORE every day.

  • LEARN MORE
    • We have high expectations for every child, recognising and nurturing their talents.
    • We provide irresistible learning opportunities based on first-hand experiences.
    • We deliver high quality teaching in an environment that motivates and excites pupils.
    • We build strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families to create a true culture of belonging.

  • DO MORE
    • We provide early intervention and support for pupils and families to overcome barriers to attendance.
    • We offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs every term.
    • We celebrate improved attendance through assemblies and whole-school recognition.
    • We welcome visitors from the community and beyond to enrich the curriculum.
    • We celebrate inclusiveness through school-wide events.

  • BE MORE
    • We promote our local community through visits to places such as the local library.
    • We use Thinking Tools to help pupils understand how they learn best.
    • We create inclusive spaces where children can collaborate, communicate, and grow together.
    • We teach empathy and respect through the curriculum, giving pupils responsibilities that empower them to become compassionate, self-assured individuals.

Good attendance is central to achieving these aims — children cannot learn more, do more, or be more if they are not in school regularly.

Our Attendance Coordinator

We are proud to have Mrs Lawrence, our Attendance Coordinator, working within the main office. She works closely with families to support good attendance, offering advice, guidance, and practical help when challenges arise. Mrs Lawrence also liaises with staff and external agencies to ensure that every child has the best chance to attend school consistently.

Reporting Absences

If your child is unable to attend school, please let us know as soon as possible on the first day of absence. Absences can be reported in the following ways:

  • Arbor App – log in and record your child’s absence.
  • Phone – call the school office and leave a message.
  • Email – contact the office via our school email address.

Please provide a clear reason for your child’s absence so that it can be recorded accurately.

Working Together

We understand that there may be times when illness or family circumstances affect attendance. Our aim is always to work in partnership with parents and carers to find solutions and to ensure children do not miss out on valuable learning time.

Together, we can help every child reach their full potential by prioritising excellent attendance.

For more information, please see our Attendance Policy