Attendance

At Hospital School, we are proud to maintain an excellent attendance record, with most of our pupils achieving over 80% attendance, well above the national average for Alternative Provision settings. We understand that for pupils with complex medical needs, consistent attendance is vital for their educational progress and overall wellbeing.

At River Tees Hospital School, regular attendance and punctuality are vital to ensuring that our pupils make the best possible progress in their learning and wellbeing. Given the complex medical and educational needs of our pupils, consistent engagement with their personalised learning programmes supports their recovery and academic success.

On the first day of absence, and on subsequent days, we ask parents and carers to contact the Attendance Officer directly to explain the reason for the absence. Clear communication helps us to provide the appropriate support for each pupil’s unique circumstances.

We actively encourage and celebrate good attendance and punctuality, recognising their critical role in achieving positive outcomes. All absences are carefully followed up by teaching assistants working closely with the Attendance Lead to ensure that any barriers to attendance are identified and addressed promptly.

Please ensure that you provide a written note explaining your child’s absence. Without this, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. It is important to note that holidays taken during term time are also recorded as unauthorised absence.

For pupils undertaking GCSE courses, attendance is particularly important as many assessments, including controlled classroom assessments, take place during school hours. Missing these assessments can negatively impact a pupil’s final grades.

Research consistently shows a strong link between good attendance and higher attainment. We are committed to working with families to support every pupil in accessing their education fully, helping them to achieve their potential and improve their life chances.

Punctuality

At River Tees Hospital School, the majority of our pupils demonstrate excellent punctuality, arriving well before registration begins at 8:30am. Given the importance of routine and structure in supporting our pupils’ learning and wellbeing, punctuality is a key expectation.

Pupils are required to be on site by 8:30am. Staff are on duty at the school gate from 8:15am to 8:30am each morning to welcome pupils and ensure a smooth start to the day.

Any pupil arriving after 8:45am must report to the main school reception to sign in. Teaching Assistants will follow up with appropriate actions if lateness occurs without a valid reason.

Maintaining punctuality is crucial, as arriving on time supports pupils in settling quickly, engaging fully with their personalised learning programmes, and maximising their educational progress.

Reporting Absences

Communication is Key: On the first day of absence, and on any subsequent days, parents and carers are required to contact the school to explain the nature of the absence. This helps us understand each pupil’s situation and provide the necessary support.

Documentation: We encourage parents to provide a written note detailing the reasons for their child’s absence. This documentation is essential for our records. If we do not receive a note, the absence will be classified as unauthorised.

School Contact: 01642 203876

Holidays

Holidays in school term time are not permitted (please refer to the DfE website) and will be recorded as unauthorised absences.