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Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust

 

For office use:

Attendance Letters

Attendance Principles

A Whole-School Culture of Welcome and Belonging

 Roles and Responsibilities Data Analysis and Monitoring Pastoral Care, Compassion & Early Intervention A Consistent Trust-Wide Approach

Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

- Matthew 18:5

At Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust, our approach to attendance is rooted in our Catholic mission, the belief that every child is created in the image and likeness of God, and the commitment to ensuring that each pupil is known, loved, and welcomed every day.

Attendance is not simply a statutory duty—it is a lived expression of our Gospel values, pastoral commitment, and shared responsibility for supporting pupils to flourish.   

 

Learn more about our principles below:

A Whole-School Culture of Welcome and Belonging

1.1 An Ethos of Welcome and Belonging

Every day begins with a moment of grace:
a warm, intentional welcome where every child is greeted, noticed, and valued.

A culture of welcome includes:

  • positive greetings at the door
  • staff who demonstrate hospitality and presence
  • pupils feeling safe, missed when absent, and celebrated when present
  • families experiencing respect and openness

An ethos of welcome and belonging helps pupils see that school is a place where they belong, which in turn strengthens daily attendance.

1.2 Attendance as an Expression of Catholic Mission

Our Catholic ethos calls us to:

  • nurture the dignity of every learner
  • support families with compassion
  • value community and togetherness
  • act with justice, patience, and hope

Every school in BCWCAT fosters a climate where pupils want to be present because they feel known, included, and cared for.

1.3 High Expectations in a Loving Environment

We uphold a Trust-wide expectation that every school day matters, balanced with pastoral sensitivity.
We celebrate improvement, effort, and resilience—not competition.

1.4 Partnership with Parents and Carers

Working alongside families is a core expression of our Catholic identity. We build relationships rooted in:

  • mutual respect
  • listening
  • compassion
  • shared responsibility

Roles and Responsibilities

 

2.1 BCWCAT Central Team

  • Set Trust-wide values, expectations, and principles
  • Monitor trends and challenge inequity
  • Provide training shaped by Catholic social teaching
  • Ensure systems align with statutory guidance and mission

2.2 Local Academy Council

  • Provide local governance, challenge and support in relation to attendance
  • Hold headteachers and senior leaders to account for attendance outcomes
  • Receive and scrutinise regular attendance reports, including vulnerable groups
  • Monitor progress against attendance improvement targets

2.3 Headteachers

  • Model the ethos of welcome and belonging
  • Embed Catholic ethos in all attendance practice
  • Create consistent processes and strong pastoral systems
  • Ensure staff understand their role in promoting attendance

2.4 Senior Leaders & Attendance Leads

  • Use data to identify concerns early
  • Build supportive, respectful relationships with families
  • Lead interventions that reflect pastoral care and fairness
  • Ensure attendance culture is visible in daily school life

2.5 Teachers & Support Staff

  • Greet pupils warmly
  • Build strong, trusting relationships
  • Promote attendance through everyday interactions
  • Notice absence early and communicate concerns compassionately

2.6 Parents & Carers

  • Ensure regular, punctual attendance
  • Work with schools when difficulties arise
  • Share relevant information to support their child

2.7 Pupils

  • Understand the importance of being present
  • Develop responsibility for routines as they grow
  • Contribute positively to the classroom community

 Data Analysis and Monitoring

 

3.1 Data Informs Pastoral Action

Data is used not to punish but to support.
Schools monitor weekly:

  • individual pupil patterns
  • persistent absence
  • vulnerable groups
  • trends across phases, schools, and the Trust

3.2 Accurate Registers

Registers must be completed promptly, accurately, and consistently.

3.3 Early Identification

Declining attendance is recognised quickly, enabling early compassionate conversations.

3.4 Evaluating Impact

Schools regularly review whether:

  • interventions are effective
  • approaches are equitable
  • pupils’ experiences reflect our Catholic ethos

 Pastoral Care, Compassion & Early Intervention

 

4.1 Compassion Before Challenge

Our Catholic ethos teaches us to respond with:

  • empathy
  • understanding
  • patience
  • relational practice

We address barriers with families, not to them.

4.2 Building Relationships

Strong relationships are the foundation of attendance success.
Pupils attend more when they feel:

  • safe
  • welcomed
  • encouraged
  • understood

4.3 Early Help and Multi-Agency Working

Support systems may include:

  • Early Help assessments
  • pastoral mentoring
  • SEND review
  • safeguarding support
  • mental health services

4.4 Reducing Persistent Absence

Plans reflect both high expectations and pastoral warmth:

  • personalised monitoring
  • check-ins
  • supportive meetings
  • restorative conversations
  • inclusion strategies
  • EWO involvement where appropriate

A Consistent Trust-Wide Approach

5.1 Shared Procedures

Across BCWCAT, schools maintain consistent processes for:

  • daily registers
  • first-day calling
  • coding
  • escalation
  • communication with families
  • referrals to attendance services

5.2 Clear, Respectful Communication

Messages to families are rooted in:

  • encouragement
  • clarity
  • dignity
  • partnership

5.3 Fair and Proportionate Responses

Legal intervention is used only:

  • when all supportive routes have been exhausted
  • in alignment with Catholic principles of justice
  • with full transparency and proper documentation

5.4 Collaborative Professional Learning

Schools grow together through Trust networks, training, and shared practice.

 

Principles Summary

  1. Attendance is everyone’s responsibilityin a culture shaped by Gospel values.
  2. The ethos of welcome and belongingensures pupils feel seen, valued, and eager to attend.
  3. Data drives early, compassionate intervention.
  4. Strong relationships with families sit at the heart of success.
  5. A consistent, Trust-wide approachensures fairness and clarity.
  6. High expectations are balanced with pastoral care, dignity, and inclusion.

 

Attendance Letters (For Office Use)

Penalty Notices

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