Absence

Every young person is entitled to an education. At Heolddu, we work to remove barriers to learning, but regular attendance and punctuality are essential for the best outcomes. These skills are valued by employers and crucial for life.

We promote Attendance HEROs — Here, Every day, Ready, On time — to encourage good habits.

Our team works closely with families to support maximum attendance by:

Raising attendance levels.
Improving punctuality.
Raising achievement.
Maximising opportunities in school and beyond.

Why Good Attendance Matters

Regular attenders make better social and academic progress.
They find school routines and work easier to manage.
Learning is more satisfying.
Transitions to secondary school are smoother.
Good attendance supports wellbeing.

What Parents Must Do

Contact the school as early as possible on the first day of absence, stating the reason and expected return date.
Arrange medical and dental appointments outside school hours or during holidays, where possible.
Bring children to school before and after any medical appointments.
Notify the school of extended illness absences.
Work with the school to promote good attendance.

Contact via ClassCharts app, phone 01443 875531, or email at HeoldduComprehensive@sch.caerphilly.gov.uk.

Follow-Up on Unexplained Absences

The school may:

Contact parents via ClassCharts messaging
Follow up with a phone call
Conduct a home visit if no contact is made
Refer to the Education Welfare Service
Hold a Student Attendance Meeting with multi-agency partners

Punctuality

Students must arrive on-site by 8:25 am, ready to start at 8:30 am. Being late disrupts learning and can affect the whole day. Arrival after registration closes may count as an unauthorised absence.

Persistent lateness will result in detention, and parents will be contacted if punctuality is a concern.

Holidays During Term Time

Heolddu does not authorise holidays in term time. Every lesson counts, and parents are strongly discouraged from taking time off during school terms.