Attendance & Punctuality

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we recognise that regular attendance and punctuality play a vital role in supporting students to achieve their full potential. We work closely with families, healthcare professionals, and other agencies to ensure that every student can access education in a way that meets their individual needs and circumstances. 

We understand that many of our students face barriers to attendance due to medical, social, emotional, or mental health needs. Our approach is supportive, flexible, and centred on helping each young person engage positively with their education. 

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance helps students to: 

• Make consistent academic progress. 

• Build positive relationships with staff and peers. 

• Develop confidence, resilience, and independence. 

• Access wider opportunities and enrichment activities. 

• Prepare successfully for future education, training, and employment. 

Every day in school provides valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal development. 

Reporting an Absence 

Keeping in Touch

If your child is unable to attend, parents and carers should contact the academy as early as possible on the first day of absence and continue to keep us informed on any subsequent days. 

Maintaining regular communication allows us to understand individual circumstances, offer appropriate support, and ensure that students remain connected to their learning wherever possible. 

Providing Information

We ask parents and carers to provide details about the reason for any absence. This information helps us maintain accurate attendance records and enables us to work collaboratively with families to support attendance and wellbeing. 

Promoting Positive Attendance

Working Together

Our staff work closely with students and families to encourage positive attendance habits and remove barriers to learning. We recognise that every student’s journey is different and celebrate progress and improvements in attendance as well as consistently strong attendance. 

Early Support

Where attendance becomes a concern, our Attendance Team and pastoral staff will work proactively with families to identify challenges and agree supportive strategies that help students access education successfully. 

Punctuality

Arriving on time helps students settle into the school day, engage fully in learning, and establish positive routines. We encourage all students to attend punctually and provide support where needed to develop these habits. 

Holidays During Term Time

In line with national guidance, holidays taken during term time are generally recorded as unauthorised absences. We encourage families to arrange holidays outside of term dates wherever possible to minimise disruption to learning. 

Our Commitment

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we believe that attendance is everyone’s responsibility. By working in partnership with students, families, and external agencies, we can ensure that every young person receives the support they need to engage with education, achieve their goals, and enjoy success both in school and beyond.