Attendance and Punctuality
Every school day matters.
Call us before 9.00am on each day of absence
0161 969 5853Absence and lateness to school should be reported by calling the school on 0161 969 5853 on each day of absence and before 9.00am. Parents and carers should notify the school as soon as possible if their child is unable to attend or is running late.
When contacting us, please provide:
- Your child’s name
- The reason for the absence or lateness
- The expected length of the absence
If the reason for the absence changes, or your child is absent for longer than expected, please update the school as soon as possible.
The School Day
Key times for every morning.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club starts at 8.30am.
All students on site
All students should arrive on site for morning registration at 9.00am.
Recorded as late
Students arriving after 9.00am, but before the register closes at 9.30am, will be recorded as late.
At Changing Lives Independent School, we believe that regular attendance is essential for every student’s educational success, wellbeing and personal development. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, supported and motivated to engage in learning.
We recognise that every student’s journey is unique and that, at times, families may experience challenges that affect attendance. Through strong partnerships with parents, carers and external professionals, we work proactively to identify barriers and provide appropriate support. Our approach is compassionate, understanding and focused on helping every young person access the opportunities they deserve.
From the moment a student joins our school, we promote positive attendance habits that help build confidence, resilience, independence and a sense of belonging within our school community.
Who to Contact
The team who look after attendance and support families.
Nicola Smith
nicola.smith@changinglivessen.co.ukLeave of absence requests by email only
Information for Parents and Carers
What to do about appointments, leave and coming back after time off.
Medical Appointments
Please contact us in advance of any medical appointments by calling 0161 969 5853.
- Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside school hours.
- Where this is not possible, your child should attend school before or after the appointment whenever they are well enough to do so.
- Please provide confirmation of the appointment, such as an appointment letter, card, text message or email.
We understand that some specialist appointments may be difficult to arrange outside school hours or may require significant travel. These circumstances will always be considered sensitively.
Leave of Absence
Every school day matters.
Parents and carers do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school during term time.
Requests for leave of absence must be made in advance and will only be authorised by the Headteacher in exceptional circumstances.
When your child returns after an absence
We want every student to feel welcomed, supported and ready to learn when they return to school. Depending on the length and circumstances of the absence, we may:
- Check on the student’s wellbeing through their mentor or key adult
- Arrange a return-to-school or reintegration meeting
- Offer additional pastoral or emotional support
- Monitor the student’s return and review support arrangements
- Work alongside families and relevant professionals to ensure the student can successfully re-engage with school
We recognise that some students may experience barriers that affect their attendance. We will work with students and their families to understand these barriers and provide appropriate support.
By working together, we can ensure that all students feel safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in helping young people thrive both academically and personally.
Questions About Attendance?
If you would like to talk anything through, the attendance team are happy to help.
Contact Us