Absence and Attendance
Every young person is entitled to an education. At Ysgol Gyfun Heolddu Comprehensive School, we work with pupils and families to remove barriers to learning. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes, and these skills are valued by employers and are important for life beyond school.
We promote Attendance HEROs – Here, Every Day, Ready, On Time – to encourage positive attendance habits and support pupils in making the most of every learning opportunity.
Our team works closely with families to support high levels of attendance by:
- Raising attendance levels.
- Improving punctuality.
- Supporting achievement.
- Maximising opportunities in school and beyond.
Why Good Attendance Matters
Regular attendance helps pupils to:
- Make stronger social and academic progress.
- Develop positive routines and manage school life effectively.
- Enjoy learning and achieve their potential.
- Experience smoother transitions through school.
- Support their overall wellbeing.
Our Approach to Attendance
Improving attendance is a key priority at Ysgol Gyfun Heolddu Comprehensive School. Our staff work together to promote the importance of regular attendance, provide early support for pupils and families, and ensure that barriers to attendance are identified and addressed.
Estyn recognised the strength of our approach during our 2026 inspection, highlighting our strong culture of support, collaboration, and early intervention. The report noted that our comprehensive attendance strategies have contributed to improved attendance rates over recent years, including for pupils eligible for free school meals, with attendance above the national average and similar schools.
What Parents and Carers Must Do
Parents and carers should:
- Contact the school as early as possible on the first day of absence, providing the reason and expected return date.
- Arrange medical and dental appointments outside school hours or during holidays where possible.
- Ensure pupils attend school before and after appointments where appropriate.
- Inform the school about longer-term illness or absence.
- Work with the school to support regular attendance.
- Contact us through the ClassCharts app, by phone on 01443 875531, or by email at HeoldduComprehensive@sch.caerphilly.gov.uk.
Follow-Up on Unexplained Absences
Where an absence has not been explained, the school may:
- Contact parents and carers through ClassCharts messaging.
- Follow up with a telephone call.
- Complete a home visit where appropriate.
- Refer concerns to the Education Welfare Service.
- Hold a Student Attendance Meeting with relevant multi-agency partners.
Punctuality
Pupils must arrive on site by 8:25 am, ready to begin learning at 8:30 am. Arriving late disrupts learning and can affect the pupil's wider school day. Arrival after registration closes may be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Persistent lateness may result in further action, including detention, and parents and carers will be contacted where punctuality becomes a concern.
Holidays During Term Time
Holidays during term time will not normally be authorised. Every lesson matters, and parents and carers are strongly discouraged from arranging holidays during the school term.