Attendance

Every School Day Matters at Bamford Academy 

At Bamford Academy we believe every school day counts. Good attendance helps children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We work in partnership with families in Bamford and across Rochdale to support regular attendance. 

From 19 August 2024, the National Framework for Penalty Notices changed how fines for unauthorised absence are issued. The rules below apply to any Penalty Notice issued after that date. 

Why Attendance Matters 

Regular attendance at Bamford Academy supports: 

• Academic progress and achievement 
• Friendships and social development 
• Confidence, routines and readiness to learn 
• Safeguarding and wellbeing 

Our message is simple: be here on time and ready to learn. 

Reminder: Our doors open at 8:30am. Registers are taken at 8:40am. You can view a typical school day here

Arrivals after 8:40am must come to the main entrance and sign in - this will be recorded as a late in the register. Attendance after 9:10am will be recorded as an unauthorised session. It is very important that your child arrives at school on time and that they attend school as much as possible. There is a morning and afternoon registration session during the school day. If your child starts to feel better, they can be sent in during the day. 

Absence Reporting 

You can report your child's absence by calling or leaving a voicemail with the school office on: 01706 631496 or email the office at: office@bamfordacademy.co.uk 

Key Changes to Penalty Notice Fines (National Framework, 19 August 2024) 

Per Parent, Per Child 

Penalty Notice fines are issued to each parent for each child who is absent without authorisation. 
Example: three siblings absent for term-time leave can result in each parent receiving three separate fines. 

When a Penalty Notice May Be Issued 

• 5 consecutive days of term-time leave (or more). INSET training days count as school days and can be included where there was intent to take leave. 
• 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-week period (sessions do not have to be consecutive). 

Fine Amounts 

First Offence (Term-time leave or irregular attendance) 

• £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days 
• Reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days 

Second Offence (within 3 years) 

• £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days 
• No early-payment reduction 

Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years) 

A Penalty Notice will not be issued. The case will be referred straight to the Magistrates’ Court.  Magistrates can impose fines of up to £2,500 per parent, per child. A finding of guilt may appear on a parent’s future DBS certificate for “failure to safeguard a child’s education.” 

Our Commitment at Bamford Academy 

We prioritise support and early intervention. Penalty Notices are considered only when appropriate under the national rules. We encourage parents and carers to talk to us as early as possible if there are difficulties affecting attendance.